Model Action Plan for the Implementation of Vector Surveillance at the International Airports/ Seaports: Point of Entries (PoEs)

Abstract

As per International Health Regulations (2005), all the International airports and seaports are to be kept free from the vectors, which may cause public health hazards through transmission of pathogen through them. The country is presently connected by air, sea and road through porous borders. Due to the new challenges/ requirements brought about by the IHR (2005), necessary efforts are being made in India to ensure effective vector surveillance and control at POEs. It is also intended for use by the concerned port health officers, airport health officers, border health officers, regulators, port operators, and other competent authorities in charge of implementing the IHR (2005) at points of entry. This present SoP/ guidelines regarding vector surveillance and control may be used as a basis for the development of a management plan for preparing and performing vector surveillance and applying public health measures within the framework of the IHR (2005). The primary aim of developing model action plan is to assist public health authorities at PoE in strengthening core capacities and managing vector surveillance and control programmes by providing technical guidance on the optimal use of resources, planning, monitoring, and decision-making. There seems to be an urgent need for the vector control experts to be engaged at each international airport/ seaports due to fast expansions of the areas of the airports/ seaports and in view of receptivity and presence of breeding potential habitats of Aedes mosquitoes.