P-25 - Tropical Islands Training and Evaluation Center (TITEC): Findings from the 2024 Vector Control Needs Assessment in Puerto Rico and the Pacific
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
12:15 PM – 1:45 PM AST
Location: Hall A
Abstract: The Tropical Islands Training and Evaluation Center (TITEC) was established under the Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit (PRVCU), to enhance training, evaluation of products, and create partnerships to improve vector management capacity. A primary step was conducting a needs assessment to identify gaps in knowledge and resources among vector management professionals. The needs assessment was disseminated to vector management professionals and related staff from Puerto Rico (PR), the US Virgin Islands (USVI), and the Pacific islands. The assessment was administered by the Pacific Island Vector Management Council (PIVMC) and PR Vector Management Association (PRVMA). It was based on a survey previously conducted by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). The survey comprised 25 main questions categorized into three sections: Demographics, Mosquito Control, and Training Needs. The survey was conducted via email through the HubSpot platform. The response rate was 35% for the exterior participants (Pacific), 18% for PR, and the USVI did not respond. Of Pacific Island participants, most respondents (55%) were Supervisors or Agency Managers, whereas in PR, 78% were field technicians or similar positions. In PR, only 46% perform surveillance using traps, predominantly comprising PRVCU employees (92%). This was about the same as received by Pacific Islands participants (91%). The use of adulticiding and larviciding in PR was low (17% and 39%, respectively), but in the Pacific it was higher (67% and 64%). The Pacific islanders showed a higher response in performing insecticide resistance tests than in PR (64% vs 36%). Regarding training, all participants received previous training (61% in PR and 64% in the Pacific). However, both demonstrated the need for more training in similar topics: communication, control and surveillance, a search for external funds, and mapping and GIS. Limitations identified are a low response rate, a lengthy questionnaire, and the email-based methodology.
