Why Wolbachia technology alone is not enough to combat the Dengue virus: An integrated Mosquito Control Approach needed, says former WHO Director

Liputan6.com, Jakarta – The former Director of WHO Infectious Diseases, Prof. Tjandra Yoga Aditama, said efforts to tackle the Dengue virus with Wolbachia technology in mosquitoes need to be part of a larger program.

“This program certainly cannot stand alone,” Tjandra said via message received by Liputan6.com, Thursday, June 1, 2023.

The Director of the YARSI University Postgraduate Program then explained, the use of Wolbachia mosquitoes to prevent the spread of the Dengue virus would be more effective if it was part of an integrated mosquito control approach.

“This use of Wolbachia will be more effective if it is established as part of a comprehensive program referred to as ‘integrated mosquito management (IMM) approach‘ or an integrated mosquito control approach,” Tjandra continued.

This approach, explained Tjandra, includes five things. First, the government conducts good mosquito surveillance.

“That is always tracking and monitoring the number and type of mosquitoes in a certain area.”

Second, using larvicides and insecticides to kill larvae, pupae and adult mosquitoes.

Third, provide counseling to the community about how to control mosquitoes around the residence.

“And preferably in places of activity,” said the Professor of FKUI.

Fourth, cleaning the place where you live or doing activities from stagnant water which can be used as a medium for laying eggs by mosquitoes that cause DHF.

Fifth, the government always monitors the impact of existing programs on the number of mosquitoes circulating.

Tjandra explained that, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), releasing mosquitoes with Wolbachia was not aimed at stopping disease outbreaks.

“The use of mosquitoes with Wolbachia in residential areas for several months is expected to reduce the number of certain types of mosquitoes, for example Aedes Aegypti.”