Public health pesticide management practices by WHO Member States. Report of a survey 2003-2004

Overview

The dwindling arsenal of safe and cost-effective pesticides, and the increasing challenges of their management under decentralized health systems, as well as the increasing use of pesticides by individuals and communities for personal protection and vector control, requires national policies, legislation and appropriate guidelines for their safe and effective use. WHO Guidelines on the management of public health pesticides (Guidelines) promote judicious pesticide management practices which minimize potential health and environmental risks. The Guidelines assist Member States with management of public health pesticides and with the implementation of the International code of conduct on distribution and use of pesticides.

Public health pesticides include vector control pesticides and household insecticide products (e.g. mosquito coils and aerosol sprays) as well as professional pest management pesticide products used by professional operators. Although the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has carried out two studies on the state of implementation of the Code, in 1993 and 1996, there is no study specifically related to public health pesticides.

The objectives of this survey are to study key features of public health pesticide management practices by Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO); to assist national and international organizations in developing activities to address weaknesses in their management practices; and to serve as a base line for monitoring progress in such activities.