Surveillance of Vector-Borne Diseases Using Remotely Sensed Data

Abstract

Surveillance of a vector borne disease is the process of systematic collection, collation, and analysis of data with prompt dissemination to those who need to know, for relevant action to be taken. It is a fundamental component of any program leading to the interruption or decrease of the vectorial transmission of a disease through the control and/or elimination of its vector. Surveillance systems aim basically at data collection and analysis to produce predictions either over time and/or space, to inform the health system about the potential of disease occurrence.As available resources for the health systems are frequently limited this information is crucial to stratify risk and determine where and when additional resources would be needed to maximize the effectiveness of field activities. Important as they are, surveillance systems are the Achilles heel of many vector control programs, especially in developing countries. Frequently, surveillance systems face problems associated with underfunding, organization, and continuity, leading to partial or complete failure of the control of vector-borne disease programs.