PAHO Launches Mosquito Action Week 2025 to Combat Dengue, Zika

PAHO has announced the 2025 Mosquito Action Week as part of ongoing efforts to control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya across the Americas. The initiative, which will be held under the theme Unidos por la salud (United for Health), emphasizes community participation in eliminating mosquito breeding grounds to protect public health.

This year’s campaign will focus on increasing awareness about the critical role of vector control in preventing diseases. The announcement comes as the region faces rising cases of mosquito-borne illnesses. Factors such as climate change, unplanned urbanization, and the presence of multiple dengue serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4) have complicated efforts to control the disease, reports PAHO. Brazil remains one of the hardest-hit countries for Zika and chikungunya as well, highlighting the urgency of coordinated vector control measures.

The origins of Mosquito Action Week date back to 2014, when the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) proposed Mosquito Awareness Week. Two years later, PAHO launched the first Mosquito Action Week as part of a broader regional strategy to address arboviral diseases. The initiative has grown in scope since its inception, with an increasing number of countries participating in efforts to control mosquito populations and reduce the spread of diseases.

PAHO’s recommendations for 2025 include increasing community engagement in mosquito control, particularly through schools, hospitals, and public spaces. This involves removing standing water, where mosquitoes breed, and promoting personal protective measures such as mosquito nets and repellents, especially for vulnerable populations like pregnant women and children. Additionally, municipalities will be encouraged to improve waste management and water sanitation practices to reduce breeding sites.

Health infrastructure will also be a focus of the campaign, with an emphasis on early diagnosis and treatment of mosquito-borne diseases. Experts suggest that a swift response to outbreaks, coupled with consistent vector control, is crucial to managing these diseases and minimizing public health risks.

The 2025 Mosquito Action Week will continue to rely on multi-sectoral collaboration, with the involvement of government bodies, health professionals, NGOs, and private sector organizations.