Dear Global Health Leaders and organizations,
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) continue to pose a significant threat to global health, accounting for more than 17% of all infectious diseases and causing over 700,000 deaths annually. Recent outbreaks and emerging threats underscore the urgent need for sustained investment and coordinated action to prevent and control these diseases.
The crisis at handEmerging threats: In late 2023 and early 2024, the Oropouche virus, an emerging vector-borne disease with symptoms similar to dengue, began spreading beyond the Amazon basin. Travel-associated cases appeared in the United States, with infections during pregnancy linked to fetal death and possible birth defects.
Recent Outbreaks: In early 2025, a 'mystery disease' in northwestern Congo resulted in at least 60 deaths and over 1,000 infections across five villages. The World Health Organization suspects a contaminated water source as the cause, with poisoning being a strong possibility.
Re-emergence of Diseases: In March 2025, New South Wales, Australia, recorded its first Japanese encephalitis death since 2022. A man in his 70s from Sydney died after contracting the virus, likely during a regional vacation. This marks the third confirmed JE-related death in NSW since the virus's detection in 2022.
Challenges amplifying the crisis
Climate change: Warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns expand the habitats of vectors like mosquitoes and ticks, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
Funding gaps: Despite the escalating threats, investments in VBD prevention and control remain insufficient. For instance, in 2023, the UK government, in collaboration with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs invested £7 million to combat VBDs. While commendable, such funding needs to be sustained and scaled to meet the growing challenges.
Urbanization and mobility: Rapid urbanization and increased global travel facilitate the spread of VBDs to new regions, challenging existing public health infrastructures.
IDA’s Call to Action
We urge immediate and sustained global action to bolster the fight against VBDs:
Governments: Increase funding for VBD research, surveillance, and control programs. Implement policies addressing environmental factors contributing to the spread of these diseases.
International organizations: Enhance coordination and resource mobilization to support countries heavily burdened by VBDs.
Research institutions: Prioritize the development of innovative tools and strategies for VBD prevention and control, including vaccines and vector management techniques.
Private sector and philanthropy: Invest in public-private partnerships to accelerate the development and distribution of interventions targeting VBDs.
Communities and individuals: Engage in local initiatives to reduce vector habitats and adopt protective measures against vector bites.
Time is of the essence
The resurgence and emergence of VBDs highlight the critical need for sustained investment and collaborative action. Failure to act promptly risks reversing decades of progress in global health. By uniting our efforts and resources, we can strengthen global health security and protect vulnerable populations from the devastating impacts of vector-borne diseases