74 - Vector-Borne Disease Network: Creating one tent for vector advocacy

Abstract: Formed in May 2019, the Vector-Borne Disease Network (VBDN) is a stakeholder group of non-profit organizations, including membership and trade associations, vector control groups, and educational institutions such as the CDC Regional Centers of Excellence. The group advocates for vector-borne disease research and management funding, seeks to connect the community of vector professionals, and envisions a world where human suffering from arthropod disease vectors is reduced.

The Entomological Society of America (ESA) leads the effort and assumes an organizing role in developing and sustaining the network. The group has grown from ten members to several dozen. We aspire to continue to grow, creating a large tent under which the diverse group of entities can advocate together for increased support for vector-borne disease research, surveillance, and management.  As Congress seeks to slash budgets, while the threat posed by these vectors continues to grow, it is increasingly important to work together to ensure policymakers hear one collective message.