GCRF-BBR: The Global Vector Hub - The global open access community for vector control information and research

The Global Vector Hub is an open access, interactive resource that will improve the control of life-threatening vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue and Zika. Vector-borne diseases impact over half of the world's population and exacerbate poverty by disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable societies in the least-developed countries. The Global Vector Hub not only has the capacity to transform vector research and vector control programmes, but revolutionise our preparedness and ability to respond quickly and effectively to vector-borne disease outbreaks. We aim to bring together researchers and health workers on the largest scale ever seen, cutting across several disciplines, diseases and vectors around the world by developing a global platform for collecting, sharing and disseminating data and information.

By working collaboratively with organisations such as the WHO, CDC and The Global Health Network, we will create an information resource with useful data, tools, guidelines and online networking for scientists interested in controlling diseases transmitted by insects, heath workers and programme managers facilitating the support of those affected by vector-borne diseases and policy makers able to make changes in the approach to disease outbreaks at a government level. Using state-of the-art software, the Global Vector Hub will identify and share what vector research and control is being done where and by whom, strengthening research around the world and helping to share data and information for the welfare and economic development of countries.

The tools that the Global Vector Hub will utilise to ensure a successful resource will include the following:

1. Mosquito database
A database of vectors, their distributions, diseases transmitted, biology and preferred habitats available for download or for filtering.
1.1. Mosquito distribution map
An interactive map will be a core feature, showing the distribution of vector species across the world and providing pop-up summary details about the diseases transmitted.
1.2. Country-specific content
Country-specific data will be reached through the map and provide more in-depth information, including current vector control methods, who is doing vector control, research institutions and emergency response organisations.

2. Site finder
Will contain a list of research organisations, institutions and vector control programmes. The site finder will be a unique resource within the Global Vector Hub that can quickly put users into contact with others working in their field.

3. Resources
The Resources section will provide online articles, links and downloadable documents in three main areas:
3.1. Training and educational materials
Training and educational materials available on the site will give introductions to key subjects, and will host standard operating procedures.
3.1.1. Standard operating procedures
3.1.2. Summary documents
3.1.3. Educational resources
3.2. Vector control product testing and selection
This section will give users easy access to lists of products that have been approved by WHO and links to their manufacturers, as well as contacts details for sites available for testing novel products. It will also provide guidance on how to select suitable vector-control products.
3.3. Online links
An extensive database will provide links to established online resources, ranging from vector control programme websites to mosquito identification tools. These will be structured in the following sections

4. Discussion forums
The Global Vector Hub intends to create lively discussions on the following subjects between scientists working on different diseases, different vectors and different control tools, policy-makers, healthcare workers and vector control implementers.

The Global Vector Hub (GVH) is an innovative online platform that will revolutionise vector research by facilitating new evidence to improve control of vector-borne diseases that affect over half the world's population.

Working collaboratively with organisations such as the WHO, CDC and The Global Health Network (TGHN), we aim to create an information exchange hub that is cross cutting between all vectors and vector-borne diseases, and create a community of practice to provide research tools, resources and enable real-time networking. For example, a researcher wanting to investigate the potential for using a specific insecticide-treated bed-net to control malaria-carrying mosquitoes in a specific region in West Africa may want to access information regarding malaria vector species composition and ecology, recent local and surrounding-area insecticide resistance data, local malaria incidence rates, current and past vector control initiatives, and potential collaborative and networking opportunities in the region. This information will be provided in a single integrative, clear and accessible interface. Given the emergence of Zika and the ongoing struggle with malaria, dengue and other diseases, it is remarkable that such a resource does not currently exist.

The GVH is unique, timely and aligned with the framework of the WHO's recent Global Vector Control Response document. Using state-of-the-art software, the GVH will identify and share what vector research and control is being done where and by whom, build capacity and facilitate data sharing between entomologists, ecologists, health workers, programme managers and policy-makers. The know-how, research methods and data exchanged, and developed, within this community will speed up progress, raise quality and create standards highlighting the effect that the GVH will have on disseminating research in order to promote the welfare and economic development of countries on the DAC list of ODA recipients specifically

Vector-borne diseases affect human and animal health and significantly impede economic development. The impact of this is overwhelming felt by countries on the DAC list of ODA recipients. For example, 89% of cases that result in death from malaria are in Africa. This has an annual economic cost of at least US $12 billion . An open access, easy to use, interactive resource that supports vector control programmes and research across the board has the potential to profoundly change this dynamic. It is remarkable that this does not currently exist, particularly when considering that vector-borne diseases account for almost a fifth of the global burden of human infectious disease, and can have profound adverse effects on the health and productivity of livestock.

The Global Vector Hub will make available data on all current or potential vectors present in any particular country, their biology, behaviour and distribution, the recommended control practices for each vector species, what control is being done where and by whom, the research sites and their capacity. Evidence-based decision making in vector control is hampered by the lack of solid scientific data produced through well-designed research. This means that vector control can fail to meet its goals, or where it is successful robust data haven't been collected to demonstrate its impact. The need is clear for reliable evidence from greater quality, standardised studies and guidance for implementing the right vector control tools. Vector research is typically siloed into disease areas, with very little sharing of best practice, methods and data. This lack of integration and sharing is wasteful, cumbersome and duplicative. The Global Vector Hub will also include research tools with protocols, guidelines, recommendations, details of current control programmes and online training to streamline research, raise the quality of data generation and build capacity in countries that are most affected by vector-borne disease. We will offer a state-of-the-art medium for networking which will accelerate evidence generation and improve knowledge sharing. We will engage stakeholders proactively through an engagement and dissemination programme. Once a community of practice is built the Global Vector Hub will facilitate collaboration and the generation of new ideas and research projects. It will build partnerships, between academia, health programmes and industry, globally.

There are tremendous benefits for individual countries to be engaged with the Global Vector Hub. For example in Honduras, there is no central entomological database, and therefore all vector surveillance and control data are available only at the local level . Further, vector control efforts are limited in scope because maps used to locate risk areas are imprecise. The Global Vector Hub would be an excellent place to store and disseminate data on vectors and disease, and to map risks, helping the country to better address the challenges it faces.

The WHO recently released the "Global Vector Control Response 2017-2030" which calls for re-alignment of vector control programmes and a comprehensive approach to vector control, supported by increased technical capacity, strengthened monitoring systems and improved infrastructure. The Global Vector Hub is completely aligned with these objectives, and will ultimately facilitate the achievement of national and global goals by contributing towards the Sustainable Development Goals. This will have an incredible impact on the elimination of diseases such as malaria, dengue, lymphatic filariasis and Zika, that threaten the lives of more than half of the world's population which are mainly in countries on the DAC list of ODA recipients.