China’s vector-borne disease prevention and control

(chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2014-06-03

Problems and challenges in China’s vector control

First, there is not enough innovative research on vector monitoring, early warning, risk assessment, control technology, and strategies to cope with vector and vector-borne diseases in China, especially health emergency demands.

Second, the current vector monitoring network can't cover all or fully grasp the type, distribution, quantity and development trend of vectors, which influences risk assessment, early warning and control planning and undermines evaluation pertinence, accuracy and timeliness.

Third, there’s not enough prevention and containment knowledge promotion to increase public awareness of health and disease prevention. There is a lack in education among the public on the damage caused by vectors and vector-borne diseases, as well as the natural, social and behavioral risks. The public has not fully been involved in national hazard elimination and disease prevention.

Fourth, vector prevention and containment involves multiple government departments, cross-border cooperation and comprehensive participation. There’s still room for improvement in comprehensive coordination and sustainable prevention and control.

Measures and strategies in China’s vector-borne disease control

Faced with the complex problems and new challenges brought by vectors and vector-borne diseases, the following measures and strategies are needed for prevention and control of these diseases.

First, China must continue to strengthen vectors and vector-borne infectious disease monitoring, risk evaluation, early-warning, containment technology and strategy. It must establish sustainable measures and policies that are innovative and suitable to China.

Second, China must continue to improve the monitoring and early warning of vectors and related infectious diseases to keep tabs on their development. China must keep up to date of vector-borne disease situations in surrounding countries and imported vector-borne diseases. The health rips for travel must be provided timely,and the disease must be contained.

Third, China must assign more personnel for health improvement and promotion to prevent and control vector-borne diseases in key areas. It must also design more effective promotion based on individual regions and prevalence to raise local people’s awareness of the disease and related prevention and control methods, raise community and family awareness of health and disease, and conduct national health and disease elimination activities to effectively reduce vector-borne diseases.

Fourth, China must strengthen government planning and coordinated action, conduct inter-department and cross-border cooperation, promote a monitor-based sustainable control strategy, and comprehensively choose environmentally-friendly control technology in an orderly fashion to keep vectors from causing damage.