The expertise of entomologists is critical for planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating disease vector programs and evidence-based health policy and decision-making. In Ethiopia, vector-borne diseases represent major public health and veterinary problems and are among the leading causes of sickness and death.

The Ministry of Health, Regional and local vector control units require personnel with knowledge and expertise to deal with vector-borne diseases, operational decision-making, and monitoring, evaluation and surveillance of vector control programmes.

Arba Minch University is situated in an area with a heavy burden of vector-borne diseases. It is well suited to serve as a national centre for training on preventing and controlling malaria and other vector-borne diseases.

In 2014, Arba Minch University established the first Master’s programme in Medical Entomology and Vector Control in Ethiopia. More information about how the graduates from this programme have strengthened their capacity at the Ministry of Health and research institutes can be seen here.