The role of innovative tools for sand fly control in the visceral leishmaniasis (VL) elimination initiative in the South-East-Asian region

Visceral leishmaniasis is a neglected parasitic disease which affects poorest communities in the South-East Asia Region. The disease is anthroponotic and transmitted by female Phlebotomus argentipes sand fly. Three countries (Bangladesh, India and Nepal) of the region are committed to eliminate the by 2020. Along with other strategies integrated vector management is one of the key strategies which need to be properly addressed to control the vector to stop the active transmission of the disease. Elimination programme was launched in 2005 and at that time there was not that much evidence available apart from indoor residual spraying (IRS) using DDT. So that till today the countries are heavily depend on IRS though insecticides are changed. It is well established that IRS is operationally very tough in maintaining its quality including cost. But since 2005 there are several studies were conducted in the region and generated substantial evidence on different vector control tools which are effective and need to be addressed to the policy makers in the countries for policy formulation. Since last few years there are gradual declining trend of the cases so that country focus may shifted to other priority areas as well as donor fatigue may occur. Beside these limitations, information on vector biology and insecticide resistance is also limited which has driven the elimination programme in a challenging situation. Therefore, the present study will review and synthesize published available evidences to promote and select best vector control options by the policy makers to implement in the countries as well WHO to advocate for policy formulation.

Trefwoorden:B680-volksgezondheid