Global vector control response 2017-2030

Overview

Vector-borne diseases pose a major threat to the health of societies around the world. They are caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, sandflies, triatomine bugs, blackflies, ticks, tsetse flies, mites, snails and lice.The major global vector-borne diseases of humans include malaria, dengue, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, chikungunya, onchocerciasis, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, Zika virus disease, yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis. Other vector-borne diseases, such as human African trypanosomiasis, Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and West Nile fever, are of local importance in specific areas or populations.

The major vector-borne diseases together account for around 17% of the estimated global burden of communicable diseases and claim more than 700 000 lives every year. The burden is highest in tropical and subtropical areas. More than 80% of the global population live in areas at risk from at least one major vector-borne disease, with more than half at risk from two or more. The risk of infection for certain viral pathogens is particularly high in towns and cities where Aedes and Culex mosquitoes proliferate because of favourable habitats and close contact with human beings. Morbidity and mortality rates are often disproportionately high in poorer populations. People who survive these diseases can be left permanently disabled or disfigured, compounding their disadvantage. Vector-borne diseases exact an immense toll on economies and restrict both rural and urban development.