Call to Action: Step up the fight against vector-borne diseases in the Americas
Washington, D.C., 7 April 2014 (PAHO/WHO) - Vector-borne diseases is the theme for World Health Day 2014 which is celebrated every 7th of April.This year's theme: Small bites, bit threats.
Vector-borne diseases are infectious diseases spread by intermediate organisms, such as insects and snails that transmit viruses, parasites, and bacteria to humans. These diseases cause a high burden of illness and death for individuals, their families, and communities, especially in poorer countries; they lead to school absenteeism, worsening of poverty, a negative impact on the economic productivity, high health costs and overloaded health systems in countries.
Vector-borne diseases exercising significant impact in the Americas are mainly malaria, dengue, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and trachoma.
