Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC)

Malaria is responsible for over 400,000 death per year mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite great progress over the past 15 years, malaria remains a major global public health issue, with an estimated 3.3 billion people in 97 countries still being at risk of the disease and 214 million cases occurring every year. Control, elimination and eradication of malaria and insect vector-borne NTDs rely heavily on insecticides, particularly in hyper-endemic areas. New vector control tools (mainly insecticides for bed nets and indoor spraying) are needed to address and prevent insecticide resistance. Since 2016, IVCC developed products have protected 119.5 million people.

There are two main avenues to fight vector-borne diseases such as malaria: target the mosquito (vector control) or the parasite itself (case management that includes preventive and curative medicines). Switzerland is playing a leading role in the global fight against malaria: Swiss research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, international NGOs and the official international cooperation are at the forefront on the malaria fight. SDC is active on these both approaches with specific interventions in research and development, funding and policy influencing at the global and bilateral level (i.e. Tanzania).

On the vector control side, IVCC is the world leader public-private partnership in R&D of insecticides being used for Internal Residual Spraying (IRS) and Insecticide mosquito nets. IVCC collaborates closely with the Swiss-based big pharma Syngenta, member of the Swiss Malaria Group. SDC supports four Products Development Partnerships (PDPs) like IVCC. PDPs serve as a platform for R&D of medical products that would otherwise not be developed due to a market failure. IVCC has developed innovative tools such as the Vector Expedited Review Voucher (VERV) that offers expedite approbation process for new insecticides products presented to official agencies. IVCC supports directly seven African research centres and conduct local trials. Developing new insecticides needs long-term commitment. SDC renewed support to IVCC allows sound continuity on R&D and access to new vector controls tools.

Principaux résultats attendus:  

1.     New vector control products to overcome
       insecticide resistance and address current perceived
       gaps in malaria eradication such as outdoor transmission

2.   Addressing technical, policy, regulatory and
      operational challenges to accelerate the successful
      development and deployment of impactful vector control
      interventions

3.   Maximising product effectiveness through appropriate
      Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM), Integrated
      Vector Management (IVM) and Access and market-shaping
      activities to ensure procurement and impact at scale

Principaux résultats antérieurs:  

-    Between 2016 and 2019, 9.2 million malaria cases averted
     and 30’000 lives saved in the 16 countries using IVCC
     supported products.

-    IVCC has delivered and allowed market uptake of key insecticides:
     K-Othrine Polyzone, Actellic CS, SumiShield, Fludora Fusion and
     Interceptor G2

-   Strong partnerships built with pharma companies to keep
     them engaged in a niche, low profitable and risky market

Phase 3 01.08.2020 - 31.07.2024   (Completed)