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■Bio-mathematics, Statistics and Nano-Technologies: Mosquito Control Strategies

Due to the innovation and application of new technology, the traditional IMM has been

updated and improved (Fouet & Kamdem 2019). The increased availability of new tech-

nology and novel techniques have played major roles in supplementing the activities of

data collection, data management, and data analysis in addition to increasing the effective-

ness and speed of control measures. Important innovations include Georgraphic Informa-

tion Systems (GIS) and mapping software (UCSF 2020), GIS-based vehicles and spraying

equipment, new aircrafts and drones, smart traps, species-specific traps, and attractant-

based collection devices. Additonally, technological advancements in genetic control tools

and techniques allow greater accuracy in the diagnosis and testing for pathogens and in-

secticide resistance, and thus better guide operational decisions and improve control efforts

(WHO 2019).

2.5

INTEGRATED VECTOR MANAGEMENT (IVM)

The term “vector” defines all arthropod species that can carry and transmit pathogens

to humans and which thus present a risk to public health. Known vectors include species

of mosquitos, sand flies, black flies, fleas, lice, chagas, and ticks. IVM is a rational

decision-making process focused on protecting public health through the environmentally

sound management of vector populations and the reduction or interruption of vector-borne

pathogen transmission. The ultimate goal of IVM is to prevent and control the transmission

of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, Zika, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, leishman-

iosis, schistosomiasis, Lyme diseases, and Chagas disease (WHO 2008). IVM attempts

an optimal use of resources and the overall principle seeks to improve the efficacy, cost-

effectiveness, ecological soundness, and sustainability of disease-vector control efforts via

collaboration with many related partners and agencies. Because IVM requires collabo-

ration, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020) developed a

network of partners within the United States. The framework includes: federal govern-

ment agencies (CDC, NIH, USDA, EPA, and military vector control units) for policing,

guidelines, and diagnosis; the State Departments of Health for surveillance, diagnosis, and

guidelines; local control agencies for control action; local health providers for treatment

of patients and case reporting; academic and industry partners for research into pathogens

and control techniques; industry for development of tools and equipment; policy makers

to create regulations and make decisions; public health partners to promote the policy; the

public for community participation and follow through of preventative behaviors.

To select the most appropriate control methods, IVM strives for informed decisions

based on knowledge of ecological characteristics & behaviors of mosquitos and ecosys-

tems and consideration of the current environmental and economic conditions. This ap-

proach attempts to overcome the typical challenges experienced with conventional single-

intervention approaches by taking advantage of collaborative opportunities and new tech-

nologies and thus promoting multi-sectoral approaches for the protection of humans and

animals from infection and disease. The Global Strategic Framework (WHO 2004,WHO

2016) for IVM notes that IVM requires the establishment of principles, decision-making

criteria and procedures, timeframes, and target goals, in addition to addressing program