WHO initiative to stop the spread of Anopheles stephensi in Africa

Overview

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 and man-made environments. Originally native to parts of South Asia and the Arabian Peninsula, An. stephensi has been detected, to date, in 7 countries in the African continent.

This brochure, updated in 2023 to reflect the latest developments, describes the 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.