Handbook for Integrated Vector Management in the Americas

Abstract

[Background]: This document compiles the recommendations made by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to help professionals in charge of vector control programs in Latin America and the Caribbean at the national, subnational, and local level update their knowledge in order to make evidence-based decisions on the most appropriate control measures for each specific situation. IVM can be used for surveillance and control or for elimination of VBDs and can help reduce the development of insecticide resistance through the rational use of these products. This document provides instructions for fulfillment of the 2008 PAHO mandate set forth in CD 48/13 (Integrated Vector Management). It specifically complements a series of WHO guidance documents published in 2012: Handbook for Integrated Vector Management, Monitoring & Evaluation: Indicators for integrated vector management, Guidance on policy-making for integrated vector management, and Core structure for training curricula on integrated vector management. The methodology followed in the preparation of this document applied the best available evidence on IVM, considering the situations of countries and the principle scenarios of VBD transmission. We hope that this handbook can be reproduced and easily used, and that its messages are clear and help apply IVM as efficiently as possible in the respective regions. The Annexes share the experiences of some countries of the Americas in the use of IVM.