Vector control involves methods to manage or eliminate organisms, known as vectors, that transmit pathogens and parasites to humans. These vectors, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and flies, are responsible for spreading vector-borne diseases. These diseases are a major global health concern.
Some of the most prevalent vector-borne diseases include malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, river blindness, and Lyme disease.
Let us look at three key benefits of implementing regular vector control.
1. Disease prevention
Vector-borne diseases are preventable through simple vector control measures like environmental management. Vectors, especially mosquitoes, breed in specific environments.
By eliminating or managing breeding sites, such as stagnant water where mosquitoes lay eggs, we can significantly reduce their populations and prevent the spread of these diseases.
2. Economic benefits
According to the WHO World Malaria Report 2023, PNG saw a significant increase of +423,000 malaria cases, contributing to a global total of approximately 249 million cases across 85 malaria-endemic regions. This statistic is a further testament of the prevalence of malaria in PNG, which as greatly hindered development and progress.
Beyond the human suffering, malaria incurs costs due to lost income and the need to seek treatment. Additionally, when individuals are sick, they are unable to work or attend school, which lowers the country’s overall production.
Implementing vector control measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying, can significantly reduce malaria cases and positively contribute to the National Health Plan 2021-2030 to eliminate malaria by 2030.
3. Enhanced quality of life
According to the WHO, vector-borne diseases cause over 700,000 deaths each year. Effective vector control measures significantly reduce the occurrence of severe illnesses and fatalities from diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.
By controlling the vectors, the spread of these diseases is reduced leading to fewer cases of severe illnesses and decrease in mortality rates.