The launch of the Pacific vector network: connecting Pacific Island Countries and areas to prevent and control vector-borne diseases

Abstract

Abstract The Pacific Island Health Officers’ Association, the World Health Organization, and the Pacific Community co-organized the launch of the Pacific Vector Network (PVN) to address challenges posed by mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever, Zika virus disease, chikungunya, malaria, and lymphatic filariasis. The PVN was created as a new initiative under the Pacific Public Health Surveillance Network (PPHSN). This launch was a critical step in the build-up to PVN as a full-service network of PPHSN in the coming years. The Pacific Island Countries and areas (PIC)-led network comprises vector management leadership, officers, and technical partners dedicated to supporting information-sharing to promote evidence-based collective action and innovation. The setup of a Technical Working Body to ensure governance and to steer forward the work of the network was a key deliverable. This manuscript describes the proceedings and discussions of PIC representatives and several regional partners at the inaugural PVN meeting held 5–7 June 2023 in Hawai’i, USA. Graphical Abstract

Keywords

• Pacific
• Vector
• Network
• Vector-borne disease