Approximately 80% of the global population faces the risk of contracting one or more vector-borne diseases, transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, flies, and bugs. These vectors carry viruses, parasites, and bacteria, causing widespread infections, including but not limited to malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika virus disease, leishmaniases, and Chagas disease.

Vector-borne diseases tend to thrive in conditions of poverty, disproportionately affecting marginalized populations with higher mortality rates. Survivors often endure permanent disabilities or disfigurements, compounding their socio-economic disadvantages. Collectively, these diseases impose a substantial burden on economies, hindering both rural and urban development.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends two major vector control interventions on a large scale to prevent malaria: the use of insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying (IRS). IRS involves spraying insecticides inside houses and other buildings where disease-transmitting insects rest. While initially designed to combat malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquitoes, IRS has the potential to impact various diseases transmitted by insects.

Dr. Jan Kolaczinski, Unit Head of the Vector Control and Insecticide Resistance Unit in the WHO Global Malaria Programme, highlights the expansion of the updated guidance beyond malaria. This broader scope acknowledges the potential of the IRS to address multiple vector-borne diseases, aligning with the Global Vector Control Response 2017–2030, a WHO strategy focused on enhancing vector control globally through integrated action across sectors and diseases.

As outlined in the new operational manual on indoor residual spraying, successful IRS campaigns require substantial political commitment and dedicated human, logistical, and financial resources. A robust health system capacity is crucial for timely and high-quality spray applications with sufficient coverage. The engagement of community leadership and the acceptance of spray operations by residents are pivotal factors contributing to the success of these initiatives.

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The manual outlines five fundamental objectives for an Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) campaign:

1. Spray Coverage: Aimed at safeguarding as many individuals as possible in the designated area, with a specific focus on protecting vulnerable groups.

2. Spray Acceptance: Striving to achieve high spraying of units and structures within the target area.

3. Spray Progress or Efficiency: Ensuring that a sufficient number of houses are sprayed daily to maintain the campaign’s schedule.

4. Spray Quality: Ensuring that spray operators follow correct procedures and techniques to deposit the appropriate amount of insecticide on all sprayable surfaces.

5. Spray Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitoring various aspects such as coverage, acceptance, progress, quality, and, when feasible, assessing the efficacy and effectiveness of the campaign. The goal is to inform improvements for subsequent campaigns.

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The target audience for this operational manual includes managers and staff of vector-borne disease control programs, as well as implementing or private-sector partners at national, sub-national, or local levels responsible for designing, planning, or implementing vector control operations.

Serving as a companion document to the consolidated WHO guidelines for malaria, this manual incorporates substantial content from the United States Agency for International Development/Abt Associates. It draws upon materials from the Operational Manual on leishmaniasis vector control, surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation, the PAHO Manual for indoor residual spraying in urban areas for Aedes aegypti control, and other relevant WHO and partner documents.

This updated operational manual aims to support locally appropriate, high-quality, effective, and safe spray operations, ultimately reducing the transmission and preventing the spread of vector-borne diseases.

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