Bt Research 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 223-231 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/bt 228 approaches and the importance of community involvement in achieving long-term success in mosquito control programs (Overgaard et al., 2022). 7 Integration with global public health strategies The integration of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)-based mosquito control into global public health strategies is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of vector management programs. Bti, a biological larvicide, has been widely recognized for its environmental safety and efficacy in targeting mosquito larvae, making it a valuable tool in Integrated Vector Management (IVM) (Reuss et al., 2020). IVM strategies, which combine biological control, environmental management, and chemical methods, are crucial for sustainable mosquito control and are supported by global health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). The use of Bti aligns with the goals of IVM by providing a targeted approach that minimizes ecological disruption and reduces the reliance on chemical insecticides, which can lead to resistance (Benelli et al., 2016). Furthermore, the public acceptance of Bti, as demonstrated in various studies, underscores its potential for widespread adoption in community-based mosquito control programs (Brühl et al., 2020). 7.1 Role of Bt-based control in international health campaigns Bt-based mosquito control plays a significant role in international health campaigns aimed at reducing the burden of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika virus. The effectiveness of Bti in controlling mosquito populations has been demonstrated in various regions, including Europe and Africa, where it has been used to complement other vector control measures such as insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying (Dambach et al., 2014). The WHO and other global health stakeholders have recognized the importance of incorporating Bti into vector control programs to mitigate the spread of arboviruses and combat insecticide resistance (Wang et al., 2021). By integrating Bti into international health campaigns, public health authorities can enhance the overall impact of their vector control efforts, leading to a reduction in disease transmission and improved health outcomes (Best et al., 2023). 7.2 Potential for Bt to enhance global health security The potential for Bti to enhance global health security lies in its ability to provide a sustainable and effective solution for mosquito control. As mosquito-borne diseases continue to pose significant public health challenges worldwide, the deployment of Bti offers a promising approach to reduce the incidence of these diseases. Bti's specificity to mosquito larvae and its minimal impact on non-target species make it an environmentally friendly option that can be integrated into existing public health frameworks (Brühl et al., 2020). Additionally, the use of Bti can help address the growing issue of insecticide resistance, which threatens the efficacy of traditional chemical control methods (Rose, 2001). By incorporating Bti into global health strategies, public health authorities can strengthen their capacity to respond to mosquito-borne disease outbreaks and enhance overall health security. 8 Concluding Remarks Bt-based mosquito control programs have demonstrated significant public health benefits by effectively reducing mosquito populations and consequently lowering the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases. For instance, large-scale interventions in Burkina Faso using Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) resulted in a dramatic reduction of malaria vector mosquitoes, with reductions of up to 70% in treated areas. Similarly, the use of Bti in housing compounds in Kenya led to a 69% reduction in mosquito populations, showcasing its potential as an effective adulticide. Community-based applications in Rwanda also showed promising results, with significant reductions in larval habitats and pupal production, indicating the feasibility of involving local communities in such programs. However, the environmental impact of Bti, particularly on non-target species like chironomids, remains a concern, as studies have shown reduced chironomid abundances in treated areas, which could have broader ecological implications. Future research should focus on long-term ecological studies to better understand the indirect effects of Bti on non-target species and overall ecosystem health. This includes monitoring food-web dynamics and potential
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