Vector control

Why vector control?

Diseases transmitted by vectors account for around 17% of the estimated global burden of communicable diseases. Mosquitoes transmit malaria, dengue, chikungunya, lymphatic filariasis, yellow fever and Zika among other diseases; flies transmit leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis and sleeping sickness; and bugs or ticks transmit Chagas disease, borreliosis (Lyme disease), typhus and encephalitis. For most, prevention by targeting vectors is the first and best approach.

CDC/J. Gathany

Animated illustration introducing the Malaria Threats Map

Mapping tool on tracking biological challenges to malaria control and elimination

A new interactive map showing malaria vector resistance, P. falciparum gene deletions, and antimalarial efficacy and resistance has been released. Such information is critical to inform appropriate malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies and to guide the development of new tools.

Keeping the vector out - Housing improvements for vector control and sustainable development

WHO has produced the policy brief “Keeping the vector out: housing improvements for vector control and sustainable development” that contributes to recognize the importance of integrated approaches of vector control and aiming at highlighting effective housing interventions to prevent vector-borne diseases.

Policy brief

WHO

WHO to lead global vector control response

WHO has a new global strategy to reduce the burden and threat of vector-borne diseases through effective, locally adapted sustainable vector control. The Global vector control response 2017–2030 outlines a broad approach aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Strengthened political and financial commitments are required, along with new vector control tools and approaches.

WHO

Transformation to support innovation, efficiency, and quality for vector control

The WHO process for the evaluation of vector control products has been revised to better meet the needs of countries. This aims to accelerate product evaluation in order to enable continued scale-up and strengthening of vector control and address key challenges such as vector insecticide resistance.

WHO

Children, women and a man with a donkey at a square with a healthcare professional, in Gambia

Research as a foundation of the new strategy

Research is a core component of the Global vector control response 2017-2030. This includes developing new and improved vector control tools, technologies and approaches, and working out how to integrate and tailor these to local contexts.

Developing multi-sectoral approaches to prevent and control vector-borne diseases

WHO/A. Craggs

fact buffet

Vector-borne diseases

12major diseases are caused by vectors globally. Vectors transmit many other disease pathogens to humans.

Global burden of major vector-borne diseases
pdf, 47kb

Global toll

700 000deaths are caused by vector-borne diseases annually.

Fact sheet: vector-borne diseases

At risk

80%of the world's population is at risk of one or more vector-borne disease.

Map: Distribution of vector-borne diseases
pdf, 541kb

Diseases

WHO/S. Torfinn

Fact sheets

Health topics

Outbreaks

A man wearing suite, and holding gas tank to spray against mosquitos

WHO/S. Torfinn

10 March 2020
Dengue fever – French Territories of the Americas – French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin, and Saint-Barthélemy
21 February 2020
Yellow fever – Uganda
1 November 2019
Zika virus disease – France
20 May 2019
Dengue fever – Réunion, France

All vector-borne disease outbreaks

Global vector control response

Man catching mosquitos in swamps with a net

WHO/S. Torfinn

The Global vector control response 2017–2030 was welcomed by the Seventieth World Health Assembly and a resolution was adopted. It provides strategic guidance to countries and development partners for urgent strengthening of vector control to prevent disease and respond to outbreaks.

Interventions and research

A man pointing at dots on a map on a computer screen

WHO/G. Fonseca

Developers and manufacturers of public health vector control interventions can submit an application to WHO for evaluation. The appropriate evaluation pathway will depend on whether there is an existing WHO policy or if the intervention is a new tool, technology or approach. Evaluation can lead to inclusion on the prequalification list for vector control products that have been assessed by WHO and found to be acceptable, in principle, for procurement by UN and other international agencies and countries.