Evaluation Process
The WHO process for the evaluation of vector control products has been revised to better meet the needs of countries endemic for, or at risk of, vector-borne diseases. The revised process came into effect on 1 January 2017 and is designed to accelerate product evaluation to support the continued scale up of core malaria vector control interventions, to strengthen vector control for neglected tropical diseases, and to address key challenges, such as emerging vector resistance to insecticides. The key objectives of the revised process are to:
- Enable access to safe, effective and high-quality vector control products;
- Enhance evidence-based guidance to promote best use and management of vector control tools, technologies and approaches;
- Promote product quality throughout the product’s life cycle.
Under the revised process, the evaluation pathway to be followed is determined by whether or not a product is part of a class with an existing WHO policy recommendation. A policy recommendation is a position statement or recommendation issued by WHO, the most recent of which takes precedence over any previously issued recommendation.
More information can be found in the supporting documents describing the evaluation process for vector control products.
For products in development, a pre-submission package consisting of a cover letter, completed request for determination of pathway (see the link below), and a draft product label, must be submitted to PQT/VCP (pqvectorcontrol@who.int).
All new VCPs must be submitted for inclusion on the Presubmission Coordination Committee (PCC) agenda.
The PCC is composed of staff from PQT, the Global Malaria Programme (GMP) and the Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) will review the pre-submission package to determine if the proposed product is supported by existing policy recommendations and thereby determine the pathway of the product under the revised WHO vector control product evaluation process.
More on product pathways and existing policy recommendations can be found in the supporting documents describing the evaluation process for vector control products.
If it is determined that a product should proceed through the Prequalification Pathway, the Overview of Prequalification of Vector Control Products Assessment (see link below) describes the procedures of prequalification of VCPs.
- Procedure for Prequalification of Vector Control Products
Additionally, the following webpages and documents will be useful in developing a product dossier for submission to PQT/VCP:
- Pre-submission Activities for the Prequalification Pathway
- PQT/VCP Dossier Requirements
- Information Note on New Pesticide Active Ingredients Developed Initially for Vector Control
If it is determined that a product should proceed through the New Intervention Pathway, please refer to the following resources:
- Vector Control Advisory Group
Questions regarding the VCAG process can be sent to VCAG@who.int.