The EMRO/WHO Regional Consultation on a Proposed Postgraduate Training in Medical Entomology and Vector Control

1. The EMRO/WHO Regional Consultation on a Proposed Postgraduate Training in Medical Entomology and Vector Control Prof. Adel M. Gad Ain Shams University Cairo, Egypt August 29-30, 2006

2. Ain Shams University Faculty of Science Department of Entomology Undergarduate and Postgarduate Degrees Awarded: • B.Sc.: 4 disciplines(Entomology Major, Entomology-Chemistry, Entomology-Biochemistry, Entomology-Microbiology) • Diploma: 2 disciplines(Medical Entomology and Applied Entomology) • M.Sc.: 4 disciplines(Disease Vectors, Insect Physiology. Insect Taxonomy, Toxicology) • Ph.D.: Various(Disease Vectors and Control, Agricultural Pests, Beneficial and Social Insects)

3. Registration Requirements for Enrollment 1. Diploma in Medical Entomology: A university degree from Faculties of Science, Medicine, Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine and High Institute of Public Health. 2. M.Sc. in Entomology: A bachelor degree in science from an Egyptian University; or an equivalent degree from an institution accredited by Ain Shams University.

4. 1. Diploma in Medical Entomology A. Syllabus of Courses Ent 521. BIOLOGY AND ECOLGY OF DISEASE VECTORS • Ent 521-1: BASIC MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY AND VECTOR BIOLOGY  • Ent 521-1-P: PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES IN VECTOR BIOLOGY  • Ent 521- 2: EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AND BIOSYSTEMATICS  Ent 522. EPIDEMIOLOGY OF VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES • Ent 522-1. CAUSATIVE ORGANISMS & ENTOMOLOGY   • Ent 522-2: VECTOR-PATHOGEN INTERACTIONS   • Ent 522-3. VECTOR SAMPLING AND INCRIM1NATION   Ent 523. PLANNING AND EVALUATION OF VECTOR CONTROL OPERATIONS, BIOSTATISTICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE. • Ent-523-1. METHODS OF VECTOR CONTROL   • Ent523-2. POPULATION VECTOR BIOLOGY AND CONTROL  • Ent 523-3. BIOSTATISTICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE

5. 1. Diploma in Medical Entomology B. Duration and Assessment • Duration: One academic year • Assessment: • Class activities • Field activities • Final practical exam • Final written exam (A minimum of 65% in each module is required to pass).

6. 2. M.Sc. in Disease Vectors A. Syllabus of Courses • Ent. 611 Population Genetics and Evolution • Ent. 612 Natural Communities of Insects • Ent. 613 Molecular Biology • Ent. 614 Insect Biochemistry • Ent. 615 Pollution of the Environment • Ent. 616 Biostatistics and Computer Science • Ent. 651 Insects of Medical and Veterinary Importance • Ent. 652 Insect Transmission of Phytopathogens • Ent. 653 Insect Microbiology • Ent. 654 Parasitology and Immunology

7. 2. M.Sc. in Disease Vectors B. Duration and Assessment • Duration: • One academic year of taught courses. • Research project (minimum one year). • Assessment: • Final written exam. (65% pass grade in each module). • Thesis Viva: A written thesis submitted for examination by two external examiners

8. Ain Shams University Research and Training Centre on Vectors of Diseases (RTC) • A leading centre of research and training on vectors of diseases in Egypt and the Region. • A WHO-collaborating center. • Conducting multidisciplinary research projects • Implementing training programs on vector biology and control for participants from the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. • Extensive field research on disease vectors all over Egypt. • Scientific collaboration with the MOH&P, Egypt • Bilingual-speaking staff.

9. RTC Structure Divisions Sand Flies Mosquitoes Ticks and mites • Arboviruses • Filariasis • Malaria Rickettsial diseases Leishmaniasis Supported by Unit of Epidemiology Unit of biotechnology Epidemiological studies and data analysis • Serological and immunological diagnosis • Molecular diagnosis

10. Research and Training Resources • Academic, technical, supporting staff: 54 • Research laboratories: 11 • Walk-in insectaries: 14 • Animal facilities: 3 • Library and conference room • Transportation (vehicles): 6 • Fast internet connections and computers

11. Research Projects Training Courses: 21 Local (>300 trainees) 8WHO/EMRO-Supported (58 trainees)

12. Research Outcome

13. Proposed M.Sc. in Medical Entomology and Vector Control • Proposed degree: International MSc in Medical Entomology and Vector Control • Awarding Institution: Ain Shams University • Program Venue: RTC • Program Organizer: Participating Institutions • Funding: • WHO-EMRO-RBM...!!!? • Others..!!!?

14. ASU International Institution Proposed Institutions to Conduct the M.Sc. Program ED RTC IESR IESR= Institute of Environmental Studies and Research-ASU

15. Proposed Degree Format I • Structure: • Taught courses • Laboratory and field training • Research project • Credit units (to be discussed) • Duration: Two years • Assessment: • Final written exam (65% is required to pass in each module) • Thesis viva: A written thesis submitted for examination by two external examiners

16. Proposed Degree Format II Course contents: Core and supporting modules • Core Modules: C1. Vector Biology and Ecology C2. Biology of Vector-Borne Pathogens C3. Molecular Biology of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens C4. Vector Control • Supporting Modules: S1. Computer science and Biostatistics S2. Bioethics S3. How to write and present scientific research

17. Why ASU..!? • Extensive experience in conducting research and training programs on disease vectors. • National and international scientific collaborations. • Excellent bilingual (Arabic-English) teaching and communications. Most suitable for students belonging to 19 out of 22 EMR countries. • Easy access to natural habitats of disease vectors. • Relatively low costs of studying and living in Cairo.

18. Obstacles..!!! Administration: • Enrollment in MSc programme requires BSc in Entomology. • Taught MSc courses do not fulfill the approaches to tackle major vector borne disease problems at national and global level. Finance: Shortage of funds to cover: • Training new generation of national technicians and students. • Maintenance and upgrading of research and training facilities. • Visits of international experts

19. Thank You