The importance of vector control for the control and elimination of vector-borne diseases

Wilson, Anne ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7387-353X, Courtenay, Orin, Kelly-Hope, Louise ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3330-7629, Scott, Thomas W, Takken, Willem, Torr, Steve ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9550-4030 and Lindsay, Steve W (2020) 'The importance of vector control for the control and elimination of vector-borne diseases'. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Vol 14, Issue 1, e0007831.

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Abstract

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) such as malaria, dengue, and leishmaniasis exert a huge burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly affecting the poorest of the poor. The principal method by which these diseases are controlled is through vector control, which has a long and distinguished history. Vector control, to a greater extent than drugs or vaccines, has been responsible for shrinking the map of many VBDs. Here, we describe the history of vector control programmes worldwide from the late 1800s to date. Pre 1940, vector control relied on a thorough understanding of vector ecology and epidemiology, and
implementation of environmental management tailored to the ecology and behaviour of local vector species. This complex understanding was replaced by a simplified dependency
on a handful of insecticide-based tools, particularly for malaria control, without an adequate understanding of entomology and epidemiology and without proper monitoring and evaluation. With the rising threat from insecticide-resistant vectors, global environmental change, and the need to incorporate more vector control interventions to eliminate these diseases, we advocate for continued investment in evidence-based vector control. There is a need to return to vector control approaches based on a thorough knowledge of the determinants of pathogen transmission, which utilise a range of insecticide and non–insecticide-based
approaches in a locally tailored manner for more effective and sustainable vector control

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	QX Parasitology > QX 4 General works QX Parasitology > Insects. Other Parasites > QX 500 Insects QX Parasitology > Insects. Other Parasites > QX 600 Insect control. Tick control QX Parasitology > Insects. Other Parasites > QX 650 Insect vectors
Faculty: Department:	Biological Sciences > Department of Tropical Disease Biology Biological Sciences > Vector Biology Department
Digital Object Identifer (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0007831
Depositing User:	Mel Finley
Date Deposited:	28 Jan 2020 12:24
Last Modified:	30 Jan 2020 14:17
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/13624

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