Challenges in the surveillance and control of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe and United States. The perspective from public health experts.

Abstract

The complexity of mosquito-borne diseases and the necessity for cross-sector collaboration present significant challenges, requiring changes in laws, policies, and inter-agency agreements. In this qualitative study we purposively selected and interviewed public health managers from the European Union and United States involved in vector-borne disease surveillance and control and asked them about the barriers currently faced when engaging in their activities. The interviewees highlighted the differences in surveillance and control guidelines between the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which reflect structural political differences between the European Union and United States. The lack of centralisation increases uncertainty in applying mosquito surveillance and control guidance. In addition, limited resources and modelling capabilities hinder effective surveillance and control. The public health agents recognised that community engagement and transparent communication are critical for gaining public support and to succeed in interventions, thus recognition of the values of these collaborations need to be accounted for in disease preparedness. Effective mosquito surveillance and control requires strong organisational bases, coordination among stakeholders, and sufficient resources, as advocate by one health frameworks. Addressing these challenges is urgent due to global trends like climate change and increased international travel, which may heighten the risk of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks.