Meeting report of the WHO technical consultation on the spread of Anopheles stephensi

Meeting report of the WHO technical consultation on the spread of Anopheles stephensi

In recent years, Anopheles stephensi, an efficient urban malaria vector for both Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax, has been reported in 4countries outside of the previously known geographical range, which was considered to be confined to certain countries in South-East Asia and large parts of the Arabian Peninsula. WHO plays a key role in monitoring threats to malaria control, elimination and prevention of re-establishment, and in providing guidance to Member States on how to manage these threats. Recognizing the emergence and spread of An. stephensi through the Horn of Africa and Sudan as a potential threat, WHO convened a technical consultation to assess the current evidence on this potential threat and to define a response strategy.