Vector Research Addressing Country Control Needs

Vector-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, yellow fever, lymphatic filariasis, African trypanosomiasis, and onchocerciasis, occur in more than 100 countries [1] and affect more than half of the worldu0027s population [2]. Transmitted by insect vectors, or with the involvement of intermediate or reservoir hosts, these are among the most neglected tropical diseases. Vector-borne diseases account for 17% of the estimated global burden of all infectious diseases [2]–[4].Effective prevention strategies can reverse this trend of high disease burden. Vector control as a method to reduce or interrupt transmission [4] is a key component of such strategies. New and improved vector control tools and strategies are needed, and research must more directly address countriesu0027 needs to improve the effectiveness of disease control [5].This article compares TDR strategic emphases [6] and basic research on vectors before 2007 against the current research in support of control interventions (2008 to date), documenting the changes in research output, training, and practical application, from basic science to more directly addressing country needs for scientific evidence and improved control tools and strategies.