The 2016-2017 Zika virus pandemic highlighted many deficiencies in the Nation’s ability to respond to novel and existing vector-borne disease threats. In response, the CDC with five federal departments and the EPA developed the National Public Health Framework for the Prevention and Control of Vector-Borne Diseases in Humans, which detailed five strategic priorities for the Federal Government. Seventeen collaborating federal agencies are currently developing a national strategy to fulfill the goals outlined in the National Public Health Framework. In addition, with the aims of providing training at all levels, augmenting applied research relevant for vector control, and building surveillance and response capacities, CDC has provided funding to four new university-based Regional Centers of Excellence for Vector-Borne Diseases (CoEs), recipients of more than 30 targeted applied research contracts, 64 state and local health departments, and numerous partner organizations, including AMCA. New 2023 training and evaluation centers will extend the training reach of the COEs and complement the research of the COEs with a focus on prevention product and method evaluation. The newly developed Public Health Entomology for All program has been expanded and will provide even more opportunities for students from high school to post-graduate levels with the goal of diversifying the field of Public Health Entomology. These actions in aggregate should bring us closer to achieving the vision outlined in the National Public Health Framework to create a nation where vector-borne diseases no longer threaten public health.
