New research shows that mosquito breeding sites in rural Africa are also key water sources for local households. Mosquito control must therefore balance public health goals with community water needs. ~ One way to improve malaria control efforts in Africa is to target the mosquitoes directly at their breeding sites for more effective control. This method, called larval source management (LSM), may involve treating water bodies with insecticides (larviciding), manipulating the breeding sites to prevent mosquito breeding, or removing the water sources entirely. In this study, led by my colleague, @Najatferouz, we investigated how communities in rural Tanzania rely on water sources that also serve as breeding grounds for the main malaria mosquitoes, Anopheles funestus; and explored how such community practices might impact mosquito control. We surveyed these habitats and conducted focus group discussions with residents to understand how they use the different water sources, and their perceptions of LSM strategies. We found that most of mosquito breeding sites were indeed regularly being used by the communities, as sources of water for domestic chores, for crop-farming, for livestock and for other economic activities like brick-making and fishing. This overlap presents both challenges and opportunities, and highlights the need for mosquito control strategies that respect community water needs. In this study area, communities preferred larviciding or habitat manipulation over complete removal of the water bodies; but also insisted that whatever larvicides are used should be safe for both humans and animals. The study highlights the need to educate communities on the safety and effectiveness of LSM and to adapt LSM strategies to align with local needs and preferences ~ Kahamba et al Societal uses of the main water bodies inhabited by malaria vectors and implications for larval source management. @UofGlasgow @UofGSBOHVM @ifakarahealth @drheatherferg @Baldini_Fra

Very impressive #mosquito cookies for our @ModrzynskaLab meeting by PhD student @ShannaraEilean! Check these out @chinito_colapso @Baldini_Fra @ic_uribarri @DrFlyGuyNI! 😍🦟 (They taste like gingernuts but better!!).

🚨Our paper is out! Discovery of Knock-Down Resistance in the Major African #Malaria Vector Anopheles funestus @odero_joe & team found unexpected mutation in #mosquitoes confering DDT resistance @UofGSBOHVM @VectorsGlasgow @LSTMnews @malariagenomics

Had an amazing time at the #ictmc2024. Loved how so many insights resonated with my project. Honored to have presented my ongoing work, and I can’t wait for the next one! 🌍 @MRCTMRPDTP @VectorsGlasgow @UofGSBOHVM @ifakarahealth #PhDjourney #VectorControlTrials