Publishing data to support the fight against human vector-borne diseases

Area of Science:

• Medical Entomology
• Public Health
• Biodiversity Informatics

Background:

• Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) cause over 17% of global infectious disease cases.
• Effective VBD control relies on comprehensive data regarding vector presence, diversity, ecology, and geographic distribution.
• Significant information gaps hinder effective VBD management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of data sharing for VBD control.
• To present the outcomes of a data paper initiative aimed at addressing information gaps on disease vectors.
• To emphasize the role of data papers in providing scholarly recognition for vector dataset publication.

Main Methods:

• Publication of peer-reviewed data papers through a partnership between GigaByte and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
• Supported by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Focus on assembling and publishing well-described, properly-formatted datasets on disease vectors.

Main Results:

• Initial results demonstrate the effectiveness of the data paper approach in mobilizing and sharing crucial vector data.
• Increased accessibility of comprehensive information on vector presence, diversity, and geographic spread.
• Enhanced scholarly recognition for researchers contributing vector datasets.

Conclusions:

• Data papers are an effective tool for overcoming information gaps in vector-borne disease research.
• This initiative significantly contributes to controlling VBDs and improving global public health.
• Continued data sharing and publication are essential for robust VBD surveillance and management.