The WINSA: The South American Research Network for the surveillance and control of insecticide resistant arthropod vectors

The WINSA aims to coordinate research actions on insecticide resistance in arthropod vectors in South America and propose adequate mitigation strategies. The WINSA gathers highly qualified research institutions from the 12 South American countries to stimulate exchanges, identify research gaps and priorities, strengthen technical capacity in resistance monitoring and provide support to PAHO and member states to guide decision-making in vector control.

The WINSA aims to contribute to the reduction and elimination of arthropod borne diseases in South America by 2030.

Main objectives

The primary goal of the network is to strengthen the research & training capacities of research / academic institutions in insecticide resistance in arthropods of public health importance in South America. The network will rely on 4 pillars of actions: Networking, Research, Training and Expertise

Networking .

The network will organize annual meetings with partners to share knowledge and ideas and identify gaps to propose coordinated actions for better surveillance and management of Insecticide resistance in the region. 

 The network will also bring the scientific community, stakeholders and industry to conferences to raise awareness, foster innovation and provide recommendations for the establishment of a regional IR management plan.

 Finally the WINSA will advise on the best practice and procedures for implementing adequate monitoring of insecticide resistance in vectors of public health concern. 

Research.

The network will review scientific evidence and fill research gaps in vector resistance through the creation of Working Groups. The network will engage in a collaborative manner to raise funds to support collaborative research projects. 

Training.

The network will organize basic to expert training courses for researchers, students and staff willing to strengthen their capacities in monitoring insecticide resistance. The members will also develop and promote technical documents and e-materials to ensure transfer of knowledge in the field of resistance.

Finally the network will facilitate the sharing of resources, facilities, biological material among members and support short-term exchanges between partners to stimulate research and innovation. 

Expertise.

The network gathers a panel of experts in vector research with the objective to provide countries and PAHO with technical guidance on vector surveillance and control. Experts may contribute jointly to multi-centre trials to develop new methodology for testing new classes of insecticides and assess the efficacy of vector control products. 

The network will create a Centralized data repository on vector resistance in South America and produce resistance “threat” maps at national and regional level to guide decision making for insecticide resistance management