Efficacy Guidelines

WHO develops efficacy testing guidelines to facilitate the generation of data to investigate the effectiveness of individual products against target vectors. Manufacturers of formulated vector control products (VCPs) who intend to submit an application for prequalification should use these guidelines as the basis for developing an efficacy testing plan for their product(s) and for generating the required data to substantiate the intended effect(s) of the product.

The guidelines present established approaches, methods and procedures for testing VCPs.  They describe the various settings of the trials (i.e. laboratory, semi-field, field) and the types of endpoints, measurements and observations that should be investigated and reported on in relation to the target vector(s).

The testing of novel products may require deviations from these guidelines. Manufacturers are encouraged to submit protocols which have been developed to WHO for review prior to initiating studies. More information on submitting a protocol for review can be found on the page on pre-submission.

Current WHO guidelines for testing the efficacy of vector control products

Insecticide-treated nets:

• Guidelines for laboratory and field testing of long-lasting insecticidal nets

Indoor residual spraying:

• Guidelines for testing mosquito adulticides for indoor residual spraying and treatment of mosquito nets
• Field testing and evaluation of insecticides for indoor residual spraying against Chagas vectors

Space sprays:

• Guidelines for efficacy testing of insecticides for indoor and outdoor ground-applied space spray applications

Spatial repellents:

• Guidelines for efficacy testing of spatial repellents

Larvicide:

• Guidelines for laboratory and field testing of mosquito larvicides

Skin applied repellents:

• Guidelines for efficacy testing of mosquito repellents for human skin

Household insecticide products:

• Guidelines for efficacy testing of household insecticide products – mosquito coils, vaporizer mats, liquid vaporizers, ambient emanators and aerosols

Molluscicides:

• Guidelines for laboratory and field testing of molluscicides for control of schistosomiasis
• Lignes directrices pour les essais en laboratoire et sur le terrain de molluscicides destinés à la lutte contre la schistosomias

Aircraft disinfection:

• Guidelines for testing the efficacy of insecticide products used in aircraft