Advances in Vector-Borne Protozoan Diseases and Control: Challenges, Innovations, and Future Directions – A Review

Abstract

Vector-borne protozoan diseases, including malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and African trypanosomiasis, remain significant global health challenges. These diseases, transmitted by arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes, triatomine bugs, sandflies, and tsetse flies, disproportionately affect tropical and subtropical regions, causing substantial morbidity, mortality, and socio-economic burdens. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding vector-pathogen interactions, highlights innovative control strategies, and addresses emerging challenges such as insecticide resistance, zoonotic spillover, and climate change. The paper emphasizes the importance of integrated, multi-disciplinary approaches, including genetic, ecological, and one health frameworks, to achieve sustainable disease control. By integrating findings from studies published between 2020–2024, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge and outlines critical directions for future research and policy