Caption: Self-practice to test insecticide resistance using CDC bottle bioassay method on the virtual training on monitoring insecticide resistance for malaria vector

As part of the malaria programme for system strengthening and capacity building, WHO supported the Subdirectorate of Vector and Animal Reservoir Control, Ministry of Health (MoH) to conduct a virtual training for health entomologists from the Environmental Health Engineering and Disease Control Unit (B/BTKLPP) across Indonesia. The training aimed to equip health entomologists with the knowledge and skills to collect the Anopheles mosquitoes and perform bioassay tests in the field.

 Held virtually between 26-28 August 2020, the training was attended by 45 health entomologists working at the provincial Environmental Health Engineering and Disease Control Unit (B/BTKLPP) and the Subdirectorate of Vector and Animal Reservoir Control, MoH. All 45 entomologists were part of the technical team for implementing insecticide resistance monitoring in Indonesia. Throughout the training, participants had the opportunity to interact and gain technical knowledge from the trainers, who were technical experts from the Subdirectorate of Vector and Animal Reservoir Control, MoH, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), and WHO. 

Caption: Feedback provided by the trainer to participants during the demonstration of coating bottle with insecticide.

WHO ensured that participants had the opportunity for practical demonstration, despite it being a virtual training. As part of the training, participants carried out a practical exercise in the laboratory to prepare the insecticide solution for testing with standardised doses; coat the bottle; test susceptibility of mosquitoes in the insecticide-coated bottle; and record, analyse and report the result. The trainers presented theoretical material and videos, each participating B/BTKLPP then practised in their laboratory and documented the video to be reviewed by the trainers. This was followed by a discussion among participants based on the practical exercise and past field experiences.

 Although the virtual training ended on the third day, the participants were invited to consult the trainers via email and phone regarding any problems encountered in the field while monitoring insecticide resistance.  

In his closing remarks, the Head of the Subdirectorate of Vector and Animal Reservoir Control, Dr Suwito, SKM, M.Kes said that it was the first virtual training that required laboratory practice. He commended the trainers and shared that this training is a model of how future trainings in vector control and surveillance should be held to ensure effective learning and transfer of knowledge.