WHO initiative to stop the spread of Anopheles stephensi in Africa

WHO initiative to stop the spread of Anopheles stephensi in Africa

[NOTE: This brochure was updated in August 2023]

Anopheles stephensi is a mosquito species that is capable of transmitting both Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax malaria parasites. Unlike the other main mosquito vectors of malaria, it thrives in urban settings. Originally native to parts of South Asia and the Arabian Peninsula, An. stephensi has been detected over the last decade in 5 countries in the African continent.

This brochure describes a new WHO initiative aimed at stopping the further spread of An. stephensi in Africa. To support an effective regional response, WHO is recommending a 5-pronged approach:

1. increasing collaboration;
2. strengthening surveillance;
3. improving information exchange;
4. developing guidance; and
5. prioritizing research.