Page 25 - NIH Bulletin Vol. 17 July 2021 #WeMustWin

#WEMUSTWIN

Potential sites to release the sterile mosquitoes
were identified based on several criteria such as
(i) community acceptance, (ii) high Ae.aegypti
ovitrap index, (iii) number of dengue cases
reported (iv) natural boundaries. Community
engagement is the most pivotal criteria
and engaging stakeholders and initiating a
program of public engagement was conducted
by the state’s Health Education Department.

The field trial entitled “Field Evaluation of Sterile
Insect Technique for Ae.aegypti Suppression
(NMRR-17-2652-39099) is funded under NIH
Grant. The field evaluation proposal was also
reviewed by the Medical Research and Ethics
Committee (MREC). The first SIT open release
was conducted in Pangsapuri Kota Laksamana
Melaka . A total of 76 releases with 2,214,109
sterile males were released on a weekly basis
from 15 July 2019 to 28 December 2020. The
suppression rate on larval density was 76.24%
compared to the control site. As requested by
the Health Department of Melaka, Pangsapuri
Taman Tasik Utama was also enrolled as a
release site with the first release commencing
on 4 Jan 2021 since this locality was a recalcitrant
dengue hotspot.
The Vector Control Unit in Johor Health
Department showed interest in the approach
of using SIT in combating dengue. The first
release was conducted on 4 February 2021 in
staff quarters for Customs, Immigration and
Quarantine Complex (CIQ), Gelang Patah, Johor.
The CIQ consists of 10 blocks of apartments SIT releases of male Aedes aegypti by YB Tuan Vidyananthan A/L
ranging from 7 to 16 floors. An official launching Ramanadhan; Chairman of the Johor State Health and Environment
was officiated by YB Tuan Vidyananthan A/L Committee
Ramanadhan; Chairman of the Johor State
Health and Environment Committee on 4 The evaluation on the effectiveness of this approach in suppressing the
February 2021. Dr Norazah Bt Ahmad, Head of Ae.aegypti population in the field trial site is based on the entomological
Infectious Disease Research Centre was also endpoint that is the ovitrap index and epidemiological endpoints which
invited for the launching of the field trial for SIT refers to dengue cases.
in Johor.

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