Selection of participants to a joint TDR-GBIF training workshop on
data sharing on vectors to prevent and control vector-borne diseases
within the context of multisectoral approaches

Deadline for submission: 30 July 2023, 5 pm (Thailand Time)

In the context of TDR’s overall activities on promoting and strengthening multisectoral approaches (MSAs) for the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases (VBDs), a partnership has been established with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), with a primary focus on VBDs. This partnership aims to refine and promote the capacity building on data sharing on vectors within the context of MSAs and to support the strengthening of health systems to better address infectious diseases in general and VBDs through joint TDR and GBIF efforts.

Access and sharing of data on vectors play a key role in breaking the transmission of many diseases, including those involving mosquitoes as vectors. The primary objective of this call is to support participants to a training workshop on how to prepare, clean and share open data on vectors. The training workshop will use the processes established by GBIF to share data and apply existing or new practical tools to support data sharing. Participants selected will be originating from the Low and Middle Income Countries. This call is in support of TDR and GBIF collaboration and will be co- managed by the two teams, in line with the Global Vector Control Response approved by WHA70 in 2017.

Under this call, about 10 participants will be selected for attendance to the TDR/GBIF training workshop, held from 24 to 25 November 2023 in Chiang Mai, and hosted as a side-event by the Asian-Pacific Conference on Mosquitoes and Vector Control, held in Chiang Mai from 27 to 30 November 2023.

Background and Rationale

The emergence, transmission and distribution of VBDs are determined by the pathogens, vectors, environment, socioeconomics and health system. These factors exceed the capacity of the health sector alone and require the involvement of many other sectors and stakeholders. Consequently, collaboration among sectors is essential to reach the WHO “Triple Billion” targets. In addition, the synergy created by MSAs contributes to the advancement of several Sustainable Development Goals simultaneously. A theoretical Guidance Framework was prepared to support Member States and other relevant actors in the fight against VBDs through concerted, facilitating, inclusive, participatory and sustainable MSAs. Coordination and sectoral pathways are described, and guidance is provided for a non-exhaustive list of sectors, with case studies providing real-life examples.

 

Objectives, Audience and Expected Outcomes of

The Training Workshop

The objectives of the training workshop are:

– To provide and explain to the participants the importance of sharing data to develop a multisectoral approach against VBDs.

– To train the participants on data standards and quality, including cleaning, publishing and sharing within the GBIF platform.

– To illustrate data sharing and publication through examples and how the data will then be used and cited.

– To help the participants in preparing their own data collection and processing according to the required standards.

Audience of the training workshop:

– The courses will be delivered to scientists involved in data collection and use.
– The courses will be delivered to health professionals involved into the development of multisectoral approaches and using data on vectors for prevention and control of VBDs in LMICs countries and other countries.

Expected outcomes :

– Better knowledge from the participants on the importance of data sharing.
– Participants with knowledge on the use of data standards and quality, and being able to publish and share through the GBIF platform.
– Knowledge on data sharing and publication especially with regards to citation tracking and best practices for citation and attribution.
– Participants finishing the course with their own datasets formatted to the required standards.