WHO pesticide evaluation scheme: 50 years of global leadership

Overview

Renewed interest by the international community and Member States in control of malaria vectors and the emergence of vector-borne diseases as a consequence of ecological changes and natural disasters in recent years have significantly increased the use of pesticides for vector control and personal protection. This in turn has further increased the role and responsibilities sought from the WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES) in supporting national programmes and other stakeholders in the selection and safe and judicious use of public health pesticides.

The limited capacity of countries where vector-borne disease are endemic to carry out safety and efficacy assessments of public health pesticides, from one side, and the time- and cost-saving investment seen by pesticide industry in using WHOPES recommendations and quality standards to facilitate registration and use of these products in disease endemic countries, has made WHOPES a global leader in standard setting and evaluation of public health pesticides.

Established in 1960 with the approval of the World Health Assembly, the Scheme has evolved during the past 50 years to better respond to the needs of Member States and other stakeholders. The reorganization of the Scheme in 1996 and its evolution since then have included improved communication, greater transparency, intensified collaboration with stakeholders and intensified support to countries.