National Arbovirus and Vectors Research Centre
OUR VISION
To become a global reference centre for vectors and vector-borne disease research
OUR MISSION
To build robust partnerships for the collaborative design and implementation of research driven vector and disease control interventions sustained by an improved understanding of vector bionomics, meaningful engagement of the general public and an efficient deployment of state resources.
Our History
In 1973 the Federal Ministry of Health invited the attention of WHO to the epidemic and epizootic outbreaks of arboviral infections in Nigeria between 1969 and 1973. Following this invitation the Government and WHO entered into a 5-year Trans-Continental Disease Control (TCDC) agreement to;
- Set up a specialized field research Centre, to look specifically into the problems posed by arbovirus infections in Nigeria
- Subsequently device strategies and methods for effective containment of the vectors
Following preliminary assessment of arboviral activities in the country, WHO facilitated the establishment of a research Centre for arbovirus in Nigeria known as the World Health Organization Arbovirus Vectors Research Unit (WHO/AVRU) in Enugu.
The TCDC contractual agreement was extended to 1981 but before then there was a tripartite agreement between the Federal Ministry of Health, WHO and the then Anambra State Government, to the effect that the Anambra State Government would provide the land and property, the Federal Government will staff and fund the operations of the Centre and it will served as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Training and Research with support from WHO. The name of the Centre was subsequently changed to the National Arbovirus and Vectors Research Centre, Enugu.
The National Arbovirus and Vectors Research Centre, situated at Enugu, Enugu State has assumed increasing responsibility for the study of:
- Arboviruses and their vectors
- Other vectors/ intermediate hosts involved in transmission and maintenance of malaria and the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
- Related parasite studies
OUR MANDATE
- To conduct field disease vector surveillance and control throughout Nigeria;
- To study the ecology, bionomics, distribution and seasonal variation of disease vectors especially arbovirus vectors;
- To identify and incriminate principal arbovirus and other disease vectors in Nigeria;
- To train middle level manpower in field, laboratory and entomology techniques;
- To conduct bioassay on disease vectors;
- To screen Nigerian plants to determine their pesticidal properties.