United States Embassy
Yaoundé, Cameroon
PRESS RELEASE/COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE
August 20, 2023
World Mosquito Day 2023: United States Recalls the Need for Continued Efforts in Vector Control, Prevention, and Research to Boost the Fight against Malaria in Cameroon
Yaoundé, Cameroon — August 20 World Mosquito Day marks the day Sir Ronald Ross discovered that female anopheles mosquitos transmit malaria between humans. In this year’s commemoration, the U.S. Government highlights the need for continued efforts in vector control, prevention, and research in order to mitigate the impact of mosquito-borne diseases on human health and well-being. It is crucial to educate communities about the risks associated with vector-borne diseases and promote effective measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Since 2017, the U.S. Government, through its President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) led by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and co-implemented with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has supported the Government of the Republic of Cameroon in the fight against malaria. PMI funded activities include research on malaria vectors and monitoring resistance to insecticide by vectors. Since 2017, PMI has helped to decrease child death rates by 35 percent through a total investment of over 90 billion FCFA or $150 million.
In 2023, the United States invested about 1.2 billion CFA Franc in Cameroon for vector monitoring, insecticide testing, and streamlined durability monitoring for mosquito nets, mosquito nets’ use, and capacity building for larval surveys for A. stephensi detection. Additionally, the 2023 budget for the procurement of next generation mosquito nets for Cameroon amounts to 843 million CFA Franc or $1.4 million.
VectorLink, PMI’s implementing partner’s recent monitoring results in Cameroon showed that there is change in anopheles mosquito biting behavior. This change has been recorded in some sentinel sites of the North and Far North regions. At these sites, the malaria-transmitting female anopheles mosquitos (An. Gambiae s.l.) changed its biting behavior from 6:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. to now biting from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 am. Thus, the best way to combat malaria is to combine strategies. Sleeping under insecticide treated nets every night remains the best strategy. In addition, applying indoor residual spraying to prevent mosquito bites early in the morning when outside of the bed net is also recommended.
The U.S. Government is committed to working with the Government of the Republic of Cameroon to raise awareness, advocate for more funding in research and development, and empower individuals and communities to take action against mosquitoes. Together, we can make a significant impact in reducing the global burden of mosquito-borne diseases and create a safer and healthier world for all.
For more information on U.S. Government support in the fight against malaria in Cameroon, visit: