WHOPES:
WHO Pesticides Evaluation Scheme
Why is the use of pesticides for public health such an important issue?
Vector-borne diseases and those with intermediate hosts are among the major causes of illness and death in many tropical and subtropical countries. Such diseases, which include malaria, Chagas, dengue, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis and African trypanosomiasis, significantly impede economic and social development.
Vector control plays a key role in prevention and control of major vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue and Chagas disease and often constitutes the first line of activity in case of epidemics of vector-borne diseases. Chemical control (use of pesticides) is still the most important element in the integrated approach to vector control.
Safe, cost-effective and operationally acceptable pesticides are required for public health use. The highly developed pesticides of today, which are formulated for a particular use pattern, require selection and usage of the most appropriate active ingredients and formulations for the target pest and intended application.