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KEY INTERVENTIONS: SITUATION REPORT − CHAPTER 3
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advocates implementation of cost–effective and sustainable vector control activities based on
the principles of IVM and through strong multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral approaches.
WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme
The WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES) has coordinated the testing and
evaluation of pesticides for vector-borne disease control since 1960. 1 The Scheme also evaluates
application methods that are safe and cost–effective, develops and promotes policies, strategies
and guidelines for application of public-health pesticides, and assists and monitors their
implementation by Member States. WHOPES acts as the focal point within WHO for publichealth
pesticide management and global partnerships on public-health pesticide development.
It also operates a joint collaboration programme with the Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations (FAO) on pesticide management, including the development of guidelines
and quality standards. During 2012–2013, WHOPES evaluated and made recommendations
on 10 pesticide products; a further 14 pesticides are undergoing evaluation. 2
Pesticides are pivotal to controlling populations of disease vectors. Their sound management
and appropriate use in minimizing adverse events on human and animal health and the
environment are important considerations in IVM. Many disease-endemic countries, however,
lack capacity to manage public-health pesticides throughout their life-cycles.
A WHOPES-administered project on reducing health risks through sound pesticide
management, completed in 2013, aimed to facilitate the establishment of national pesticide
regulatory frameworks, optimize registration procedures, strengthen capacity for pesticide
management and reduce trade of substandard pesticide products. The major achievements of
this project (2007–2013) include the creation of a global evidence base on the management
and use of public-health pesticides as a reference for future work; publishing peer reviewed
guidelines, norms and standards on pesticide registration and management; and providing
technical support and training to priority countries in the sound management of pesticides. 3
Life-cycle management of pesticides also demands a multisectoral approach at national and
international levels to ensure effective legislation.
International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management
WHO in collaboration with FAO and the United Nations Environment Programme has
developed an International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management as a voluntary
framework for the management of public-health and agricultural pesticides. 4 FAO and WHO
have jointly published guidelines on data requirements for registration of pesticides and WHO
specifications for eight pesticide products. Improved collaboration between WHO and FAO has
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1
http://www.who.int/whopes/en/
2
http://www.who.int/whopes/recommendations/en/
3
http://www.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/90546/1/9789241506106_eng.pdf
4
http://www.who.int/whopes/recommendations/International_Code_of_Conduct_on_Pesticide_Management_Y2014.pdf