Challenges and Opportunities for Integrated Vector Management in Developing Countries: A Narrative Review with a Focus on Iran

Authors

  • Omid Dehghan Tropical and Communicable Diseases Research Centre, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
  • Jasem Ghaffari Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  • Kamran Akbarzadeh Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  • Saeed Shojaei Tropical and Communicable Diseases Research Centre, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
  • Narges Asadi HSE Specialist and Environmental Science Researcher, Mehralborz University, Tehran, Iran
  • Mohammad Said Dayer Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
  • Javad Rafinejad Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  • Amrollah Azarm Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18502/jad.v20i2.22396

Keywords:

Descriptive review; Vector-borne pathogens; Vector control; Insecticide resistance; Surveillance systems

Abstract

Background: Vector-borne diseases (VBDs), caused by pathogens transmitted through the bites of infected arthropod vectors, remain a major public health challenge in many developing countries. Environmental changes, urbanization, population mobility and health system limitations continue to sustain the transmission of these pathogens and the dis-eases they cause. Integrated Vector Management (IVM), recommended by the World Health Organization, provides a sustainable framework that combines evidence-based vector control interventions with surveillance, intersectoral col-laboration, and community participation. However, implementation of IVM remains inconsistent, particularly in re-source-limited settings.

Methods: This narrative review synthesized evidence from peer-reviewed literature indexed in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, supplemented by WHO technical guidance documents and regional surveillance reports published be-tween 2000 and 2025. The review focused on IVM principles, implementation barriers, operational challenges and poli-cy opportunities, with particular emphasis on Iran.

Results: The review identified several interconnected barriers limiting effective IVM implementation, including unsta¬ble financing, insufficient intersectoral coordination, gaps in entomological and epidemiological surveillance, limited community participation, inadequate technical capacity and increasing insecticide resistance. Evidence from Iran demonstrates substantial progress in malaria control while highlighting ongoing challenges related to leishmaniasis, emerging Aedes-borne disease risks, resistance management, and the need for stronger integration of environmental and surveillance systems.

Conclusion: Achieving sustainable reductions in VBD burden will depend on long-term commitment to integrated gov-ernance, resistance-informed decision-making and context-specific strategies that enable countries such as Iran and other developing settings to build resilient vector control systems.

Published

2026-08-25

Issue

Volume (20) issue (2)

Section

Articles