Project assistance completion report for vector control project (517-0235)

The University of South Carolina (USC), the primary implementing agency, provided assistance to two local institutions: the Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra (USMM) and the Servicio Nacional para la Erradicion de la Malaria (SNEM). The project established a strong link between the two institutions for conducting vector control research and accomplished most of its objectives. USC established a vector control laboratory at UCMM and trained three UCMM faculty to design, implement, and evaluate malaria and dengue interventions. UCMM now has the capability of providing training on vector control for SNEM, as well as agriculture and tourism interests, while SNEM has the capacity to apply new vector control techniques and improved operational research protocols. A highlight of the project was the production of two field-tested interventions for malaria and six interventions for dengue. Numerous assumptions in the project design were unrealistic, especially given SNEM"s difficult fiscal and personnel situation and the country"s known problems with procurement, maintenance, etc. Moreover, since a project advisory committee was not formed until late in the project, there was no mechanism for participants to address grievances or anticipate problems. Future projects of this type should have one person designated by each collaborating institution assigned to project matters. The major beneficiary of the project was UCMM, an institution with no legal mandate or responsibility for vector control. Perhaps in future projects institutional responsibility for applying outputs should be a consideration in determining inputs.