Prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases across Toronto and Brasília: A document-based descriptive analysis

Abstract

The present study analyzed documents by health departments in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Brasília, Federal District, Brazil that address strategies for prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) between 2012 and 2022. Nineteen documents were fully read and analyzed. Results suggest both Toronto and Brasília base their strategies on Integrated Vector Management, performing entomological, environmental, vector and epidemiological surveillance; source reduction; public education and mobilization; and chemical control as an ultimate resource. In addition, results indicate many documents lacked references lists with scientific evidence, although the most recent ones usually follow international protocols and national experiments results. Most do not teach workers on how to verify the effectiveness of the executed measures. Further research investigating people’s perceptions and behaviors towards MBDs can provide a more solid ground for effective health policy development, especially in cases of major public health concern, such as dengue and other neglected tropical diseases epidemics.