The paper provides all COMBAT participants and external partners with a comprehensive reference on the project’s approach and activities.

First, the paper provides the background to the project, including a summary of the European Commission call for proposals on vector-borne diseases in Africa and brief introduction to the problem of vector-borne animal trypanosomosis.

Second, the four project pillars are described, namely: (1) Improved knowledge of vector-parasite-host-environment interactions; (2) Innovative control tools; (3) Risk-based control strategies and (4) Technical capacities and institutional commitment. The progressive control pathway (PCP), which provides the strategic framework for COMBAT, is also presented.

Third, the project consortium and external network are described, which will be involved in the implementation of project activities and in the exploitation of the project’s results.

Last, the project contribution to the sustainable development goals is outlined.