World Health Day Is Today - Small Bite: Big Threat

Currently, 50% of the world’s population is at risk for vector-borne diseases. In fact, each year more than 1 million people die from vector-borne diseases – ones that are passed from person to person through small organisms, such as bugs and insects.

Vector-borne diseases are some of the greatest contributors to human mortality and morbidity in tropical settings around the world.

Beginning in the 1950s and 60s, synthetic insecticides were sprayed around the world, bringing many diseases under control. Although they wiped out disease, that success caused interest and resources to dwindle.

But, in the past 2 decades, some vector-borne diseases have re-emerged or spread to new parts of the world. Environmental changes, increases in international travel and trade, changes in agricultural practices and rapid unplanned urbanization are the main causes of the problem.

An increase in the number and spread of many vectors worldwide are making new groups of people vulnerable – especially tourists and business travelers.

World Health Day raises awareness of the threat posed by vectors and vector-borne diseases. Recognizing this day helps families and communities take action to protect themselves. It also allows world health authorities to monitor and prevent the spread of disease.

Here are some facts about diseases and how they’re spread:

Insects that spread disease

Mosquitoes
Flies
Ticks
Bugs
Freshwater snails

Preventable diseases

Malaria
Dengue
Leishmaniasis
Yellow fever

What makes people more vulnerable?

Environmental changes
Travel
Trade
Migration

Ways to protect yourself

Sleep under a bednet
Wear long-sleeved shirts
Wear long pants
Use insect repellent

Combating disease requires renewed momentum on a global scale – from global public health agencies, between countries and within regions, across government sectors, at all levels of government, and within communities and households.

To learn more about vector-borne diseases and how they’re spread, visit World Health Day.

Please consider sharing this article with a friend or family member who is interested in helping people live free of vector-borne diseases.

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