World Health Organization WHO Issues New Manual 2024 to Combat Mosquito Borne Diseases. This move comes as an urgent response to the fact that 80% of the world’s population is at risk of one or more mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus disease.
Targeting Deadly Vectors:
The new manual targets Anopheles mosquitoes, which are responsible for spreading malaria, by recommending the heavy use of IRS. However, the manual also addresses the need to control other disease-carrying insects, expanding its impact beyond malaria prevention.
Effective Vector Control Methods:
The WHO emphasizes the importance of two key vector control methods for combating malaria. Firstly, the use of insecticide-treated nets and secondly, indoor spraying of insecticides. These methods aim to significantly reduce the transmission of malaria and other vector-borne diseases.
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Impact of Mosquito-Borne Diseases:
Mosquitoes, flies, bugs, and other vectors transmit viruses, parasites, and bacteria, leading to millions of infections worldwide. These diseases, including malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika virus disease, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease, pose a significant threat to public health globally.
Addressing Poverty as a Factor:
The WHO report highlights that poverty plays a significant role in the prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases. Poor populations are particularly vulnerable, facing higher mortality rates and increased risk of long-term disability.
WHO Issues New Manual 2024 to Combat Mosquito Borne Diseases.
Key Features of the New Manual:
The new manual emphasizes several key features to enhance the effectiveness of vector control efforts. These include:
- Spray Coverage: Ensuring maximum coverage to protect as many people as possible, with a focus on vulnerable groups.
- Approval: Increasing the number of units and structures sprayed to maximize the effectiveness of insecticides.
- Skill: Ensuring timely completion of the campaign and effective spraying in as many homes as possible every day.
- Quality: Ensuring the use of correct procedures and techniques to apply the right amount of insecticide on suitable surfaces.
The release of this new manual underscores the WHO’s commitment to combating mosquito-borne diseases and protecting global public health.