The 9th Annual Meeting of the Vector Control Working Group (VCWG) took place from February 19-21 in Geneva, bringing together 192 participants from 103 institutions across 44 countries. Representatives from national vector control programs, research institutes, international organizations, industry, NGOs, and the housing and environmental sectors gathered to assess policies, strategies, and opportunities for collective action.

Dr. Fatoumata Nafo-Traoré, RBM Executive Director, and Dr. John Reeder, Director of TDR and interim Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme, opened the meeting by highlighting both the significant gains in malaria control over the past decade and the pressing challenges ahead. Over three days, discussions focused on key issues, including the growing threat of insecticide resistance, maintaining universal LLIN coverage amid resource constraints, improving Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), and developing innovative solutions for outdoor transmission. Participants also emphasized the need for scientific rigor in vector control, capacity building for future public health entomologists, and the integration of vector management into the housing and infrastructure sectors.

The meeting underscored the progress made in vector control and the power of multisectoral collaboration in tackling evolving challenges. With new partnerships and innovative approaches, the VCWG continues to drive sustainable and impactful solutions in the fight against malaria.