Integrated Vector Management (IVM)
IVM is a rational decision-making process for the optimal use of resources for vector control. The approach seeks to improve the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, ecological soundness and sustainability of disease-vector control. The ultimate goal is to prevent the transmission of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis and Chagas disease.
Driving forces behind a growing interest in IVM include the need to overcome challenges experienced with conventional single-intervention approaches to vector control as well as recent opportunities for promoting multi-sectoral approaches to human health.
The Global Strategic Framework for IVM notes that IVM requires the establishment of principles, decision-making criteria and procedures, together with timeframes and targets. The Framework identifies the following as five key elements for the successful implementation of IVM:
- Advocacy, social mobilization, regulatory control for public health and empowerment of communities.
- Collaboration within the health sector and with other sectors through the optimal use of resources, planning, monitoring and decision-making.
- Integration of non-chemical and chemical vector control methods, and integration with other disease control measures.
- Evidence-based decision making guided by operational research and entomological and epidemiological surveillance and evaluation.
- Development of adequate human resources, training and career structures at national and local level to promote capacity building and manage IVM programmes;