Circular Policy: A New Approach to Vector and Vector-Borne Diseases' Management in Line with the Global Vector Control Response (2017-2030)

• Published in: Tropical medicine and infectious disease 2022-07, Vol.7 (7), p.125
• Main Authors: Tourapi, Christiana, Tsioutis, Constantinos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: circular policy; climate change; Collaboration; Decision making; Disease prevention; Enforcement; Epidemics; GVCR; Infrastructure; Integrated approach; Integrated Vector Management; International agreements; Meetings; Pathogens; Review; Strategic planning; Surveillance; vector; vector-borne disease; Vectors (Biology)
• ISSN: 2414-6366; 2414-6366
• DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7070125

Integrated Vector Management (IVM) has yielded exemplary results in combating and preventing vector-borne diseases (VBDs) and their vectors. It's success and positive outcomes depend on the sound planning, implementation, enforcement, and validation of the locally adapted vector control efforts from the involved national sectors and stakeholders. Nevertheless, current realities create several implications impeding IVM's performance. Hence, there is a need to adjust local IVM plans to several factors, such as (i) the rapidly changing and unpredictable environmental conditions (i.e., climate change, shift on species distribution, invasive species- , and ); (ii) the environmental impacts from human activities (i.e., fossil fuel use, food sources, industry, land use, urbanization and deforestation); (iii) changes in human demographics and the international movement of people (travelers and forcibly displaced persons due to conflicts and severe weather) increasing the risk of contracting and transmitting vector-borne diseases and shifting humanitarian emergencies and societal demands; (iv) the SARS-CoV2 pandemic outbreak and the implication on national public health systems; (v) the continuous flow of technological advancements and newly acquired knowledge; (vi) the realization of the strong link between planetary health and public health. Addressing these factors in IVM can become difficult, taking into consideration the numerous involved sectors, stakeholders, and fields in the management of vectors and vector-borne diseases (VBD). This document proposes and discusses the aspects and steps of a holistic approach, referenced as the Circular Policy, for national and local IVM strategies to be effective and adaptable, capable of providing the optimum outcomes.