Bold Science. African-Led. Impact-Driven
Insecticide Bioassay and Testing Laboratories
Standardised Evaluation of Vector Control Interventions
The Insecticide Bioassay and Testing Laboratories provide core capacity for the controlled evaluation of vector control tools and strategies. These laboratories form the foundation of AIRID's vector control research and support both pre- and post-market evaluations.
Scope of Activities
- WHO cone, tunnel, and regeneration assays for insecticide-treated nets
- Evaluation of indoor residual spraying (IRS) efficacy and residual activity
- Testing of larvicides, attractive targeted sugar baits (ATSBs), topical repellents, and spatial repellents
- Insecticide susceptibility and resistance testing
All testing is conducted in accordance with OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and World Health Organization guidelines.
Infrastructure
- Controlled-temperature testing rooms
- Calibrated exposure chambers
- Chemical preparation and secure storage areas
- Fume hoods and ventilated workspaces
- Dedicated IRS substrate treatment zones
Insectaries
High-Quality Mosquito Rearing for Entomological Research
AIRID's Insectaries support the rearing and maintenance of well-characterised mosquito colonies of Anopheles, Aedes, and Culex species used across laboratory, semi-field, and experimental studies.
Key Functions
- Maintenance of insecticide-susceptible and field-derived resistant colonies
- Support for behavioural, ecological, and vector competence studies
- Provision of mosquitoes for laboratory assays, semi-field trials, and experimental hut evaluations
- Monitoring of life-history traits including longevity, fecundity, and emergence
- Strain selection and characterisation aligned with specific research objectives
Infrastructure and Standards
- Temperature- and humidity-controlled rearing rooms
- Larval and pupal rearing systems
- Adult holding cages with controlled blood-feeding systems
- Dedicated preparation, cleaning, and waste-management areas
Mosquito colonies maintained within the insectary underpin the reproducibility and scientific integrity of AIRID's entomological research.
Mosquito strains maintained at the AIRID insectarySemi-Field Experimental Hut Station
Bridging Laboratory Findings and Field Performance
AIRID operates a Semi-Field Experimental Hut Station in Covè, Benin, comprising a large network of WHO-standard experimental huts and associated research infrastructure. This platform enables evaluation of vector control interventions under near-field conditions using local mosquito populations.
Core Activities
- Experimental hut evaluations of insecticide-treated nets, IRS, spatial repellents, and novel tools
- Behavioural studies of mosquito host-seeking, feeding, and exiting behaviour
- Longitudinal assessment of intervention durability and residual efficacy
- Controlled release–recapture studies using resistant vector populations
Infrastructure
- 84 experimental huts (West African and open-eave designs)
- Mosquito release chambers
- On-site meteorological monitoring systems
- Specimen processing and data recording laboratories
- Backup power systems to ensure uninterrupted operations
Experimental Hut Station
Quality, Compliance, and Operational Standards
All AIRID facilities operate under institute-wide quality systems and standard operating procedures designed to ensure: scientific rigour and reproducibility; ethical and regulatory compliance; staff safety and data integrity; alignment with GLP and WHO guidance where applicable. Continuous training, internal oversight, and system review underpin all facility operations.
Facilities as Platforms for Capacity Strengthening
AIRID's facilities also function as training and mentorship platforms, supporting: practical training of early-career scientists and technicians; skills transfer in entomological, laboratory, and analytical methods; institutional strengthening of research systems. This ensures that infrastructure investments contribute to sustainable African research capacity.
Enabling Collaboration and Partnership
AIRID's facilities are designed to support collaborative research with: national disease control programmes; academic and research institutions; industry and product developers; regional and global health organisations. By providing high-quality, independent research environments, AIRID serves as a trusted partner for evidence generation and evaluation.