World Mosquito Program

The Institute of Vector-Borne Disease brings together scientists and experts across multiple disciplines to address the global burden of mosquito-borne diseases.

A key part of the Institute’s research portfolio is the World Mosquito Program (WMP), a global not-for-profit initiative that is using naturally occurring bacteria called *Wolbachia* to reduce the ability of mosquitoes to transmit mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya.

Following years of laboratory research into *Wolbachia*, the World Mosquito Program - formerly known as the Eliminate Dengue Program - has been conducting field trials of the method since 2011. A gold-standard randomised trial in Yogyakarta showed a 77% reduction in dengue incidence and an 86% reduction in dengue hospitalisations in Wolbachia-treated areas compared with untreated areas. The program has met with widespread support from communities, governments and regulators around the world, expanding rapidly in recent years.

The World Mosquito Program is committed to improving health conditions and strengthening the capacity of local communities around the world to reduce the threat of mosquito-borne diseases. With a uniquely self-sustaining method, which does not pose risk to existing ecosystems, their exciting program has the potential to transform the global fight against life-threatening viral diseases.

The program was one of two Monash projects awarded federal funding of $1m in May 2019, with the potential of receiving significant additional support. Read more.

The Gillespie Family has joined other donors and supporters who together are enabling the protection of more and more people. Read more.

For more information, visit worldmosquitoprogram.org