Control of Disease Vectors in Humanitarian Crises: Strategies and Guidelines
In humanitarian crises, controlling disease vectors is crucial for preventing outbreaks of infections such as malaria, measles, and diarrhea. Effective vector management requires understanding transmission cycles, types of vectors, and the risks they pose. During emergencies, regular control measures may lapse, increasing vulnerability due to poor sanitation and new breeding grounds from disasters. This document outlines strategies for individual protection, environmental control, and the responsible use of chemicals to reduce vector populations while preventing resistance.
Control of Disease Vectors in Humanitarian Crises: Strategies and Guidelines
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Presentation Transcript
In most humanitarian crises since early 90s the top 5 killers are: • Diarrhoeal diseases (water & VBD borne) • Malaria (VBD) • Measles • Pneumonia • Malnutrition But other parasitic and viral disease may predominate in certain regions
The nature of vectors Group discussion activity: • In small groups, brainstorm types of vectors, and areas of overlap with other sectors (5 minutes) • Discuss in plenary (5 minutes)
Disease vectors and their control in emergencies A disease vector: a carrier/transmitter of disease from person to person A pest or ‘nuisance’ vector: similar, but do not transmit disease
Transmission Cycles of Parasitic, Viral & Bacterial VBDs • Many parasites have a single host • Vectors • Arthropods (i.e.) • Mechanical vector (flies) = bacterial dysentery • Biological vector (mosquito) = malaria & dengue • Molluscs (i.e.) - Host vectors (snails) = schistosomiasis • Hosts • Definite host (in which sexual reproduction occurs) • Intermediate host (larval or asexual stages occur) • Note: many protozoa are asexual (Leishmania)
Vectors – their importance The control of vectors is particularly important in emergencies because: • Regular control measures may break down • New breeding grounds may be created (eg floods) • Parasites can invade new/vulnerable communities • Lack of immunity if affected population moving into new areas • Poor sanitation & hygiene in new overcrowded settlements rapid spread of vectors
Sphere Handbook Guidelines on vectors • Vector control standard 1: individual and family protection. All disaster-affected people have the knowledge and the means to protect themselves from disease and nuisance vectors that are likely to represent a significant risk to health or well-being. • Vector control standard 2: physical, environmental and chemical protection measures. The numbers of disease vectors that pose a risk to people's health and nuisance vectors that pose a risk to people's well-being are kept to an acceptable level.
Common Vectors and their control Must identify vector and understand life cycle for effective control. • Regular assessment needed for immediate control • Distinguish – and prioritise - between disease risk and nuisance • Use environmental controls where possible • Only use chemical spraying as last resort, as • Frequent use causes resistance • Can be poisonous • Environmentally polluting
