The Emerging Issues Working Group (EIWG) is focused on addressing new issues identified during ITN planning, implementation and reporting exercises and which require adapted or new operational strategies, approaches or tools. These issues are an opportunity for cross-country learning to ensure experience exchange and successful scale-up as appropriate. Examples of emerging issues include operationalization of new stratification approaches, exploring urban ITN distribution approaches, and comprehensive waste management strategies for end-of-life nets and ITN packaging including the creation of circular economies.
Working group co-chairs
- Peter M. Gitanya, MPH, Candidate (PhD) holds a master’s in Public Health, specializing in entomological vectors. He is currently pursuing a PhD program and working with the Ministry of Health under the Tanzania National Malaria Control Program (NMCP). He has spent over 10 years working on malaria control and elimination as an ITNs coordinator, mainly overseeing Integrated Malaria Vector Control interventions, such as Indoor Residual Sprays, Malaria entomologicalsurveillance, Larvalsource management, ITNs distribution, and monitoring activities. His specialties include coordinating the ITN delivery mechanisms in the country based on the malaria transmission strata for optimal coverage and maximum impact. Known for implementing malaria interventions by engaging the community and helping the NMCP build stronger collaboration with different malaria stakeholders, which enhances planning, coordination, and effectiveness in malaria control and elimination efforts in the country. Contact Peter at mpgitanya2006@gmail.com
- Brad Longman serves as the Technical Lead for the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) Evolve Project at Abt Global under the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy. In this role, he leads ITN strategy, deployment, and the design of integrated and cost-effective malaria vector control programs across Africa. Brad’s work emphasizes innovation and data-driven approaches, including advancing spatial emanator technologies, digital tools, and more resilient, adaptive delivery systems that strengthen ITN access and use. Contact Brad at bradley.longman@abtglobal.com