Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC)

Despite significant progress over the past 15 years, malaria remains a major global health issue, with 249 million malaria cases in 2022, an increase of 5 million from 2021. Malaria is responsible for over 600,000 deaths annually. Africa accounts for 94% of malaria cases and 95% of deaths worldwide. In 2022, 78% of all deaths in this region were amongst children under the age of 5. There are two main approaches to controlling a vector-borne disease such as malaria: targeting the mosquito (insect/vector control) or the parasite (case management, including preventive and curative medicines). Control, elimination, and eradication of malaria and other vector-borne neglected tropical diseases rely heavily on insecticides, especially in highly endemic areas. New vector control tools, including insecticides for bed nets and indoor residual spraying, are essential to address and prevent insecticide resistance. 

The Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) is the world’s leading public-private partnership for the development of vector control products such as insecticides for indoor residual spraying and insecticide-treated bed nets. IVCC works collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders, private (e.g., Swiss industry such as Syngenta, a leading agricultural company) and public (e.g., universities, research institutes, local clinical trials, etc.) stakeholders to facilitate the development of new and improved public health goods (e.g., insecticides and formulations). It also provides information tools to enable the practical use of these products. Although its primary focus is on malaria, IVCC recognizes that new tools and products are likely to effectively prevent many other vector-borne diseases. Switzerland plays a leading role in the global fight against malaria. Swiss research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, international NGOs, and international cooperation are at the forefront of this effort. SDC’s support encompasses different approaches, with specific interventions in research and development, financing, and policy influencing, both at the global and bilateral levels. SDC’s renewed support since 2014 ensures continued research and development and access to new vector control tools, complementing the mandate of other Geneva-based global health actors.

Expected results:  

1. One TENEBENAL™ net (coated/impregnated) and one net product containing a novel active ingredient are commercialized by an industry partner.
2. At least 3 different non-pyrethroid indoor residual spraying products remain available, affordable, and effective against resistant vector strains to meet country needs.
3. The relevance of the special emanators to prevent outdoor transmission is confirmed.
4. The status of the public health value of the attractive targeted sugar baits product class is confirmed.

Results from previous phases:  

• Development, registration and deployment of 5 critical life-saving products: four indoor residual sprays and one insecticide-treated net.
• Two key interventions to support the deployment of 5 new, innovative products to make them more widely available to patients (market shaping interventions)
• Advance an ambitious product development portfolio with industry partners to address critical unmet needs in malaria vector control.