Abstract Since the discovery that diseases can be transmitted by vectors, intermediate hosts and animal reservoirs of human pathogens, their control has played a key role in the prevention and control of such diseases. There is no indication that this trend will change in the foreseeable future. The discovery of modem synthetic pesticides induced an overreliance on single approaches based on the massive use of these chemicals, with tremendous achievements as well as conspicuous setbacks, leading to insecticide resistance. A more flexible and comprehensive vector control policy, implying decentralization of the planning, requires for the future a major effort of health education, training, information and documentation. It should result in a greater sell-reliance of the endemic countries.