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Call for support - Global Vector Control Response funding application

In response to the recent World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Vector Control Response document (http://www.who.int/malaria/global-vector-control-response/en/), ARCTEC at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is working with The Global Health Network, the WHO and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop an exciting new initiative called The Global Vector Hub (see flyer for further details). The project is being part-funded by an EU H2020 grant as part of the recently formed ZikaPLAN consortium. 

The Global Vector Hub is an online, open access information resource, network and data sharing platform. It is designed to support ongoing vector control research, as well as preparedness and rapid responses to vector borne disease outbreaks. This unique website will include valuable resources such as: 

• An interactive global map with specific vector information including species present, diseases transferred, and common vector control methods
• Evidence-based recommendations for vector control and links to guidelines
• Country/Region level maps with vector distribution
• An online network of vector specialist and industry experts
• A searchable global listing of vector and disease research labs and field sites
• Open access training resources on vector research and vector control, including clinical and field trial guides and videos
• Community led guidance for researchers, programme leaders and policymakers. 

Although we will begin with an initial focus on Zika vectors, we will rapidly expand the Global Vector Hub to encompass other vectors and diseases as resources expand. 

We have been invited by the Wellcome Trust to submit an application for a Biomedical Resource and Technology Development Grant to help fund the website. We have successfully advanced through the first round of grant proposals. The full application is now being prepared and is due for submission on 3rd April, 2017. To demonstrate the need for the Global Vector Hub, we are collecting letters of support from potential stakeholders. It would be great if you could distribute this e-mail to your contacts and ask them to provide letters of support. 

An example letter is available here which you can amend, or feel free to write your own! It does not have to be long, but should include the following: 

•             Who you are and your organisation
•             How the resource will be useful to your work
•             That you intend to use and promote the site 

Please use headed paper and address the letter to me (Dr James Logan). We ask that all letters be emailed to: Robert.Jones@lshtm.ac.uk by 30^th March, 2017.  We will then append all of the letters we receive to our application. 

If you have questions concerning your letter of support, or would like more information about the Global Vector Hub please contact me. Thank you for your support of this innovative initiative!