Pathogens transmitted by vectors insects, mosquito being the number one, are a growing threat in all parts of the world. The scientific discipline which aims to study insects impacting uman health is called medical entomology. Little known by the general public, medical entomology is nevertheless essential to identify vector insects, evaluate their risk for the health of populations and control those vectors.
The Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) and Institut Pasteur have developed a 2:30-minute video in motion design in order to promote this discipline. Aimed at all audiences, this instructional video provides a better understanding of the central role played by this discipline in the fight and control of vector-borne diseases.
Medical entomology constitutes one of the four components of the EU-funded MediLabSecure project (2014-2018). This project uses a “One Health” approach towards health security in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. In other words, an integrated approach to health is sought that includes interactions between humans, animals and their ecosystems. Encompassing 55 laboratories in virology and entomology from 19 non-EU members, this vast network collaboratively enhances the preparedness and response to the threat of emerging viral diseases.
In interaction with the animal virology, human virology and public health working groups, the medical entomology working group focuses on mosquitoes identified as present threats or with potential risk of emergence in the participating countries. The creation and the management of a network of laboratories specializing in mosquitoes and arbovirus transmission help in the identification of needs in beneficiary countries in terms of monitoring, diagnostics and biosafety.
The MedilabSecure project is supported by the European Commission
