Page - 82 - in Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate Change

82 diseases and to improve the knowledge transfer from science to practice and vice versa. At the European level, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) support the European VectorNet initiative. The VectorNet network assembles data on vector distributions and cases of animal and human VBDs. The information on biogeography of vectors and latest VBD outbreaks can be freely accessed at https://ecdc.europa.eu/en/about- us/partnerships-and-networks/disease-and-laboratory-networks/vector-net. Moreover, the European Union funds the InfraVec2 project, which offers free access to European infrastructures for research on insect vectors and their pathogens and thereby interconnects the VBD research community (https://infravec2.eu/). The InfraVec2 project aims to set up common quality standards and operating frame- works in the field of arthropod VBDs (standardise test procedures, develop accepted, traceable reference standards for biological material, etc.) and thus improve inter- laboratory reproducibility and finally the quality of research outcomes. 4.5.3 Policy Options The recent unprecedented global spread of dengue and chikungunya viruses and the outbreaks of Zika virus and yellow fever in 2015–2016 have highlighted the chal- lenges faced by countries. The need has never been greater for a comprehensive approach to vector control. Most VBDs can be prevented through vector control, but only if it is implemented effectively. This is, however, hampered by numerous chal- lenges that include: lack of capacity and capability (human, infrastructural and institutional) in country programmes; lack of a comprehensive national strategy for vector control and the necessary legal framework; a limited toolbox of interven- tions; lack of community involvement; and ongoing environmental and social changes that result in the proliferation and geographic expansion of vectors. The global vector control response 2017–2030 (GVCR) approved by the World Health Assembly provides strategic guidance to countries and development partners for urgent strengthening of vector control, preventing disease and responding to out- breaks (WHO 2017a, b). In addition, WHO provides fact sheets on VBDs and Climate change and Health in different languages for lay people and public health workers. To achieve the re-alignment of vector control programs and increased tech- nical capacity, improved infrastructures, strengthened monitoring and surveillance systems, and greater community mobilisation are required. One of the priority activities outlined in the GVCR is for countries to conduct or update their vector control needs assessment. This information can then be utilised to develop or update countries’ vector control strategies and to plan necessary activities. This Framework for a National Vector Control Needs Assessment sets the standards for baseline assessment and progress tracking in line with the goals, targets, milestones and priorities of the GVCR.  Ultimately, all these activities will support implementation of a comprehensive approach to vector control, disease surveillance and VBD R. Müller et al.