In order to interpret results from experimental hut studies (and linked clinical studies) it is critical to fully characterise the local vector population. ESSENTIALs is:
- Determining the Anopheles species composition in the study sites
- Measuring prevalence and intensity of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides and characterising underpinning mechanisms
- Monitoring for presence of resistance to additional insecticides incorporated into the ITNs (i.e chlorfenapyr and pyriproxyfen)
- Determining the level of indoor and outdoor biting and peak biting times
- Estimating age of the vector population by measuring parity rates
- Measuring sporozoite infection rates