Control of insect and rodent vectors in international air and sea travel (Resolution)

WPR/RC34.R20 CONTROL OF INSECT AND RODENT VECTORS IN INTERNATIONAL AIR AND SEA TRAVEL The Regional Cormnittee, Having reviewed the present situation with regard to the risk of insect vectors and rodents of epidemiological importance being transported from one country to another; Noting the general lack of technical data on vector breeding in and around international airports; 1. URGES Member States:. ( 1) to carry out regular vector surveys at international airports and seaports, in order to identify and share information on vulnerable routes and situations requiring specific control action; (2) to strengthen rodent and vector control measures within and around international airports and seaports and to give more attention to the International Health Regulations, particularly Articles 16 and 19 on rodent and vector control; (3) to ensure that all flights from malarious countries or areas receive close surveillance and either before take-of£ or after arrival; to non-malarious are disinsected (4) to identify other high-risk flights, especially those travelling to other areas of the anopheline-free Pacific is lands, and to take appropriate surveillance and control measures; (5) to increase the number of trained staft available for the development of surveillance and control activities; 2. REQUESTS the Regional Director:. (1) to consider distribution of a newsletter on vector intelligence on a routine basis in order to disseminate information on vector and rodent surveillance and control related to international air and sea travel; (2) to promote the training of vector and rodent control s .taff assigned to international airports and seaport areas; (3) to establish a mechanism for consultation and cooperation among the countries concerned; 3. FURTHER REQUESTS the Regional Director t() bring . the contents of the preser:t resolution to the attention of the Direc.tor-General so that he may in turn bring it to the attentiort of the Executive Board and the World Health Assembly with a view to intensifying international action. Ninth meeting, 9 September 1983