Strengthening Global Health Security: The Role of the International Health Regulations in Monitoring and Controlling Vector-Borne Diseases

Abstract Vector-borne diseases pose a significant global threat, with approximately 500 million reported cases annually, affecting previously unaffected regions due to climate change and increased international travel. This presentation brings insights from two scoping reviews examining the implementation and operationalization of the International Health Regulations (IHR) in preventing the spread of vector-borne diseases. The first review analysed strategies and policies adopted at continental and national levels and identified four major categories of measures: surveillance and epidemic intelligence, Declaration of Public Health Emergency of International Concern, measures in Points of Entry, and vaccination status. Surveillance systems vary widely across countries, with severe asymmetries in their implementation. The COVID-19 pandemic facilitated the adoption of screening measures and collaboration with airlines and travel agencies, highlighting the importance of early detection and response. An additional review focused on the contribution of IHR to public health action in monitoring and controlling vector-borne diseases. It emphasised the prioritisation of preventive measures related to travel and borders, including vector surveillance. Environmental changes, particularly socio-ecological and climate factors, influence the recurrence of outbreaks, creating the need for enhanced epidemic intelligence. Both reviews underscored the importance of cooperation between institutions and countries in effectively monitoring and controlling vector-borne diseases. Assessing core capacities under the IHR enables readiness levels in outbreak response to be measured, promoting concerted action tailored to each epidemiological context. As the world faces ongoing health challenges, it is imperative for State Parties to refine their core capacities in alignment with the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring a robust global response to future infectious disease outbreaks.