The Vector Resource Platform (VRP)
The Vector Resource Platform (VRP) is a shared service hub formed by three internationally recognised institutions: the Centre Suisse de Recherche Scientifique (CSRS) in Côte d'Ivoire, the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) in Tanzania, and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) in Switzerland. By combining their expertise and infrastructure, the VRP offers a one-stop solution for high-quality evaluations of new vector control products. Serving private industry, product development partnerships, and regulatory bodies, including WHO prequalification, the VRP is a trusted partner for comprehensive product testing and evaluation.
Independent and High-Quality R&D Services for Vector Control Products
The VRP covers all needs from the laboratory to the field, ensuring that clients receive end-to-end support in the development and assessment of vector control products. We provide our clients with a comprehensive service portfolio, guaranteeing timely delivery and exceptional quality in reporting and data analysis. With advanced technical and scientific expertise across all three sites, a strong commitment to capacity building within our partner institutions, and a unique collaborative network spanning Europe, East and West Africa, we stand out in the vector control landscape. Our dedication to delivering reliable, innovative solutions for effective vector control strategies positions us as a leader in driving measurable impact on global public health outcomes.
Our Services
We provide high quality, independent and timely services for research and development of vector control products.
Product class | Research and Development | Laboratory studies | Experimental hut studies | Semi-field bioassays and small-scale field trials | Community entomological trials |
| Insecticide treated nets (ITNs) |  | |  | | |
| Indoor residual sprays (IRS) | | | | | |
| Space sprays | | | |||
| Larvicides | | | |  | |
| Spatial and topical repellents | | | | | |
| Attractants | | | | | |
| Treated clothing | | | |  | |
| Attractive targeted sugar baits | | | | | |
| Mosquito traps | | | | | |
Legend: orange = CSRS, green = IHI, red = Swiss TPH
Available mosquito species for testing among all VRP partners
Species
| Susceptible | Resistance
| ||
Resistant | Type of resistance | Characterised | ||
| An. gambiae | Yes | Yes  | Metabolic KDR | Yes |
| An. funestus | No | Yes | Metabolic | Yes |
| An. coluzzii | No | Yes | Metabolic | Yes |
| An. arabiensis | No | Yes | Metabolic | No |
| An. stephensi | No | Yes  | Suspected metabolic | No |
| Ae. aegypti | Yes | No | N/A | Yes |
| Ae. albopictus | Yes | No | N/A | Yes |
| Culex sp. | Yes | Yes | Metabolic | Yes |
Legend: orange = CSRS, green = IHI, red = Swiss TPH
Where We Work
Some Impressions of Our Work
Calibration of the 3D video tracking setup at Swiss TPH in Switzerland.
Experimental hut setting at CSRS in Ivory Coast.
Experimental hut setting at CSRS.
CSRS insectary.
Holding cups from WHO cone assays in a test room at Swiss TPH.
Experimental hut setting at IHI in Tanzania.
IHI semi-field setting in Bagamoyo, Tanzania.
Track sprayer lab at IHI.
Mosquito collection in semi-field setting at IHI in Bagamoyo.
Mosquito trap evaluation in a semi-field setting at IHI in Bagamoyo.
Net washing area at IHI in Bagamoyo.
Ongoing room test with free-flying mosquitoes at Swiss TPH.
Preparations for WHO tunnel test at IHI in Bagamoyo.
Selection of host-seeking mosquito females at the IHI insectary in Bagamoyo.
Species identification of invasive Aedes mosquito eggs using a digital microscope at Swiss TPH.
Swiss TPH insectary.
