Integrating vector management

Vector management is the main method for tackling many of the world's most burdensome infectious diseases, such as malaria, dengue and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). When effective methods of targeting mosquitoes, flies, ticks, bugs and other vectors that transmit pathogens are well implemented, lives are saved and the health of millions protected.

Integrated vector management (IVM) is a rational decision-making process that encourages optimal use of resources for efficient, cost-effective and sustainable vector control. Global Vector Control Response 2017–2030 (GVCR) provides a new strategy to strengthen vector control worldwide through increased capacity, improved surveillance, better coordination and integrated action across sectors and diseases. GVCR calls on Member States in the Western Pacific Region to develop or adapt national vector control strategies and operational plans to align with this strategy.

In October 2016, WHO Western Pacific Regional Office supported the Sixth International Training on IVM. Organized by the Malaysian Ministry of Health, WHO Western Pacific Regional Office and its Collaborating Centres on Vector Control from Singapore and Malaysia, the training provided important skills to use IVM as an intervention strategy for the effective control of dengue and other arboviral diseases, such as Zika virus and chikungunya. Priority activities include supporting countries to conduct a vector control needs assessment in order to develop or update their vector control strategies and to plan necessary activities to control and eliminate vector-borne diseases, while measuring impact against baselines and targets set in GVCR.