Strategies for Aedes mosquito control: A review of national guidelines from selected countries in Asia and Oceania

TL;DR

This paper reviews national Aedes mosquito control strategies in 14 Asian and Oceanian countries to identify common approaches and gaps in dengue prevention.

Contribution

The study provides a comparative analysis of national Aedes control guidelines, highlighting shared priorities and differences in vector management strategies.

Findings

Most countries prioritize integrated vector management combining environmental, chemical, and biological methods.

Digital tools and Wolbachia-based biocontrol are emerging innovations in some national strategies.

Over-reliance on chemical control and poor inter-sector coordination remain significant challenges.

Abstract

Dengue remains a major public health challenge, and national strategies for Aedes control vary widely across countries. This review synthesizes official national guidelines from 14 countries across Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific to identify shared priorities and key differences. Most guidelines emphasize integrated vector management frameworks, combining environmental, chemical, and biological measures, alongside strong community engagement and structured surveillance systems. Several countries incorporate digital tools, adult mosquito monitoring, or innovative approaches such as Wolbachia-based biocontrol. Despite these strengths, gaps persist, including limited adoption of adult surveillance, over-reliance on chemical control, and variable coordination across sectors. Understanding these cross-country patterns may support more coherent, evidence-informed policy development for long-term and sustainable Aedes control.

This figure shows the multi-faceted approach of IVM, which combines environmental, chemical, and biological interventions to mitigate the proliferation of Aedes mosquitoes and reduce dengue transmission. Data-driven decisions guide prevention and control measures, including environmental management (e.g., source reduction and habitat modification), chemical control (e.g., eco-friendly insecticides), and biological control (e.g., Wolbachia-based biocontrol). Community engagement and public education play a role in fostering ownership and participation in prevention efforts through awareness campaigns and volunteer training. In the event of outbreaks, rapid response protocols and contingency plans ensure timely diagnosis, treatment, and insecticide deployment. Cross-sector collaboration among health, agricultural, environmental, and municipal sectors optimizes resource allocation and strengthens implementation.Control measures for Aedes mosquitos.Unlabelled Image

Control measures for Aedes mosquitos.

•Integrated Vector Management is central to Aedes mosquito control in countries.•Surveillance systems, supported by rapid diagnostics, are prioritized for dengue outbreak prevention.•Community engagement and public education are critical for vector control efforts.•Innovations like Wolbachia biocontrol and eco-friendly insecticides address insecticide resistance.•Challenges include over-reliance on chemical methods, resource limitations, and fragmented inter-agency coordination.

Integrated Vector Management is central to Aedes mosquito control in countries.

Surveillance systems, supported by rapid diagnostics, are prioritized for dengue outbreak prevention.

Community engagement and public education are critical for vector control efforts.

Innovations like Wolbachia biocontrol and eco-friendly insecticides address insecticide resistance.

Challenges include over-reliance on chemical methods, resource limitations, and fragmented inter-agency coordination.

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