Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) have emerged as a serious public health problem in India.
About 1-2 million cases of malaria with about 1000 deaths occur every year. Japanese
encephalitis is currently endemic in 135 districts in 15 states and Union Territories
of India. Kala azar and lymphatic filariasis are endemic and persisting causing
considerable morbidity. Many of the diseases, particularly Japanese encephalitis
(JE) and malaria now occur in epidemic form almost on an annual basis causing considerable
morbidity and mortality. Chikungunya and dengue are spreading rapidly to newer areas,
with outbreaks occurring more frequently and explosively.
Alarming trends in the resurgence of VBDs are anticipated to continue unless more effective action is taken to address the variety of underlying causes. Translation of already existing knowledge base on vectors into new vector-targeted control strategies is a distinct challenge that requires concentrated efforts to confront the complexity and heterogeneity of the natural transmission of vector borne diseases. The problem of VBDs is local and transmission system is dynamic which require site specific evidence based solutions. In this context, a strong research infrastructure is necessary in terms of manpower and laboratory facilities. No single institute is equipped with all the required facilities and expertise. Research on vectors is carried out in isolation and often with low priority. Vector research involves multidisciplinary approach and close co-ordination of limited expertise in our country is necessary to augment our resources. Therefore, sharing the resources and working under collaborative mode is necessary to contribute to problem solving at national and state level. To accomplish this and co-ordinate all research activities on vectors; Vector Science Forum (VSF) has been established.
Alarming trends in the resurgence of VBDs are anticipated to continue unless more effective action is taken to address the variety of underlying causes. Translation of already existing knowledge base on vectors into new vector-targeted control strategies is a distinct challenge that requires concentrated efforts to confront the complexity and heterogeneity of the natural transmission of vector borne diseases. The problem of VBDs is local and transmission system is dynamic which require site specific evidence based solutions. In this context, a strong research infrastructure is necessary in terms of manpower and laboratory facilities. No single institute is equipped with all the required facilities and expertise. Research on vectors is carried out in isolation and often with low priority. Vector research involves multidisciplinary approach and close co-ordination of limited expertise in our country is necessary to augment our resources. Therefore, sharing the resources and working under collaborative mode is necessary to contribute to problem solving at national and state level. To accomplish this and co-ordinate all research activities on vectors; Vector Science Forum (VSF) has been established.
Terms of Reference
- Provide platform where researchers/institutes working on Vectors/Vector-borne Diseases can share information available with them and also discuss the current findings and future trends in the diseases.
- Review and prioritize the needs in vector research of the programme/policies for the control of Vector-borne Diseases in India.
- Identify neglected aspects/gap areas of vector research to help develop better control strategies.
- Identify the places where there is infrastructure, expertise and knowledge on vector research and active research is being carried out. Thereafter identify the cutting edge areas of science which could be translated to the field.
- Identify areas where we need to incriminate suspected vectors of public health importance, study their life cycle, patho-physiology and design diagnostic tools for them.
- Develop expertise for vectors of public health importance by inviting more people to work in the area and establish new research centers.