LAUSR

Vector borne diseases (VBDs) continue to sustain the huge burden of communicable diseases in Africa, as efficient indigenous and invasive vectors expand their range and abundance. Consequently, malaria, lymphatic filariasis, and arboviral diseases, such as chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever and Zika virus disease, Rift Valley fever and West Nile fever persist [1]. Efficient mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus and the invasive Anopheles stephensi thrive in urban areas, are climate sensitive, epidemic prone and problematic given the high urban population in Africa (43.8%) and the inherent annual growth rate (4.1%) [2]. The risk of malaria and arboviral diseases is exemplified by recurrent epidemics, with some declared as public health emergencies of international concern [1,3]. In 2016, a high-level panel on Global Response to Health Crises recommended strengthening emergency preparedness and response for various diseases including VBDs with emphasis on surveillance, and increasing resources for research and development for vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics [3]. Accordingly, the World Health Organization underscores surveillance in the Global Vector Control Response 2017-2030 (GVCR) to inform evidencebased integrated vector management (IVM) [4]. Integrated entomological surveillance for arboviral diseases, malaria and lymphatic filariasis is key for effective vector control in urban areas [5]. Cemeteries are usually situated in highly populated urbanized localities and serve as a harborage for populations of vector mosquito species due to availability of natural resources [5]. While global surveillance on apposite vectors of arboviruses, urban malaria and lymphatic filariasis has been extensive and encompassing cemeteries, efforts remain outstandingly less exhaustive in Africa. Ae. aegypti is the primary vector of arboviruses and the invasive Ae. albopictus is a secondary vector, both breed in artificial waterfilled containers like tyres, cisterns, flowerpots, vases, bromeliads,