Research scientists from Ifakara Health Institute’s Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences (EHES) Department conducted a three-day training on Larval Source Management (LSM) for health officers from the Ifakara Town Council from July 9 to 11, 2025, at the Ifakara branch offices.

First-of-its-kind training
The training was organized at the request of the Ifakara Town Council, which is stepping up efforts to control malaria in the region. Led by lead facilitators Felician Meza and supported by Mohammed Jumanne and Yohana Mwalugelo, the training was the first of its kind in the area, combining classroom instruction with hands-on field practice in the Machipi area of Ifakara.

Focus on mosquito ecology and breeding habitats management
A total of ten health officers participated, including the Town Malaria Focal Person for Ifakara, Dr. Oscar Mbiso. The participants were introduced to mosquito ecology including identification of various types of mosquito breeding habitats—both open and closed—and how to effectively control them using LSM techniques. 

The field component of the training, which involved identifying and mapping actual breeding habitats, was particularly instrumental to the participants, who described the session as “highly productive” in reinforcing their understanding of LSM strategies.

The field exercises also included collecting immature mosquitoes, characterizing aquatic habitats, estimating the density of larvae and pupae, measuring the surface area of the breeding sites, and finally, applying Bactivec to the identified breeding habitats.

Enhancing learning experience with tour of Ifakara research facilities
As part of the program, the officers also toured Ifakara’s research facilities and field sites at Mosquito City, where they observed ongoing malaria research and vector control activities.

Participants commend Ifakara for empowering training
Impressed by the quality and relevance of the training, the health officer praised the Ifakara team and institution in general for organizing such a valuable and empowering training that will strengthen local capacity in malaria control.