Alternative Interventions Against Neglected Tropical Diseases in SSA: Vector Control

Vector control is one of the strategies recommended by the World Health Organization for the control and prevention of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) apart from preventive chemotherapy, intensified case management, provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene, and veterinary public health. Although an integrated approach based on a combination of strategies or one strategy targeting a group of diseases is the preferred approach, the current policy for the global elimination of most of the NTDs is based solely on chemotherapy (Molyneux, Adv Parasitol 61:1–45, 2006; Uniting To Combat NTDs, Delivering on promises & driving progress. Available: http://unitingtocombatntds.org/report/delivering-promises-driving-progress-second-report-uniting-combat-ntds [Online]. Accessed 16 May 2014). Dependence on preventive chemotherapy alone without measures to control vectors and intermediate hosts, for vector-borne NTDs like lymphatic filariasis (LF) and onchocerciasis, may not achieve the expected outcome (Bockarie et al., Ann Rev. Entomol 54:469–487, 2009) in the set targeted time frame. Vector control has the potential to play a very important role in the control of NTDs and is increasingly becoming a supplementary intervention strategy. However, it requires the commitment of resources, both financial and human, from disease control programs. There is the need for integration at all levels while adopting the WHO policy guidelines on IVM. Although vector control has been shown to be an effective strategy for the control of vector-borne NTDs (Bockarie et al., Ann Rev. Entomol 54:469–487, 2009; Townson et al., Bull World Health Org 83:942–947, 2005), it is faced with some challenges, major among which are insecticide resistance, multiplicity of vector species, changes in vector behavior, and cost. Further research on insecticide resistance and the effect of vector control on one disease, as, for example, malaria vector control on lymphatic filariasis, is still required.