Overview

NEA is committed to keeping the incidence of vector-borne diseases low in Singapore. We leverage evidence-based integrated vector management systems, complemented by education, enforcement, and continuous research to achieve this goal.

What are vectors?

Vectors are organisms that transmit diseases.The five main vectors in Singapore and the diseases that they transmit are:

Surveillance

NEA monitors vector populations and the emergence of vector-borne diseases in Singapore through surveillance programmes. Such programmes give us a better understanding of transmission trends so that we can implement preventive and control measures to minimise the impact of disease outbreaks.

Public education

Ongoing educational campaigns help support our efforts to keep the incidence of vector-borne diseases and their adverse effects low. 

Enforcement

NEA adopts a pre-emptive approach by conducting inspections at residential and commercial premises. During inspections, breeding habitats of these vectors are removed, preventing the transmission of diseases. When lapses are found, fines or other penalties are imposed.

Research

NEA conducts applied laboratory and field research to gain a better understanding of vector-borne diseases that pose a threat to Singapore, and to develop tools for risk intervention. These include:

• A geographic information system for tracking vector distribution
• Dynamics of vector populations in disease outbreaks
• Diagnostic tools for the detection of vector-borne diseases
• Biochemical tools for monitoring insecticide resistance
• Evaluation and resistance management of insecticides
• Epidemiological studies of diseases
• Evaluation of novel mosquito control tools such as the Wolbachia-Aedes male-based suppression approach for reducing the urban Aedes aegypti population

Read more for additional information on our research work.