Innovative Holistic and Transdisciplinary Approaches to Control Vector-borne Diseases

Vector-borne disease (VBD) dynamics are affected by complex environmental, societal, and human interactions. Many VBD control strategies rely exclusively, or considerably, on vector control. Vector control has generally taken reductionist top-down approaches through chemical methods, with infrequent community support. Many of these strategies have failed as demonstrated by, for example, the resurgence and continuous global increase of dengue. Achieving effective and sustainable vector control entails the recognition that pathogen–vector–host–environment systems are complex adaptive systems that are best understood from a holistic perspective employing transdisciplinary research. Complex adaptive systems involve many components that interact, adapt, or learn as they interact. Holism means viewing and understanding natural systems as wholes, and not as a collection of parts. Transdisciplinary research is at once between, across, and beyond individual disciplines, and, to the extent possible, involves all stakeholders, including affected local communities, for defining research objectives and strategies. Transdisciplinary approaches are therefore essential for vector control intervention design and delivery in order to achieve sustainable VBD control. We invite contributions that increase the understanding of VBD control consistent with transdisciplinarity, in order to improve the local capacity for disease control. We particularly encourage contributions that expand on integrated vector management, drawing on, for example, socio-ecological systems framing; arthropod population and community ecology, including predator–prey relationships; pathogen transmission dynamics; genetics and evolutionary adaptation; community-based participatory research; ecosystem approaches; socioeconomics; behavioral change; and cultural aspects, including local/traditional knowledge, and cognitive, philosophical, and religious dimensions.

Dr. Hans J. Overgaard
Guest Editor

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