There has been a significant increase in mosquito-borne diseases, with cases doubling over the past year. (Image courtesy of Kobiz Media)
CHEONGJU, June 11 (Korea Bizwire) — Amid rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns driven by climate change, South Korea’s disease control agency has unveiled a comprehensive five-year plan to strengthen the nation’s defenses against vector-borne diseases such as Japanese encephalitis, malaria, and tick-borne infections.
At a briefing held Wednesday at its Osong headquarters, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced its 2025–2029 Medium-to-Long-Term Plan for Vector Surveillance and Control, aiming to modernize its nationwide monitoring systems and prevent the spread of infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks — threats that are expected to intensify as the climate warms.
The KDCA noted that warming trends over the past decade have significantly extended the active seasons of vectors. From 2015 to 2024, average national temperatures rose by approximately 1.4°C, causing the annual Japanese encephalitis advisory to be issued more than two weeks earlier than before. Mosquito and tick activity now extends from early spring through late autumn.
To proactively address these risks, the KDCA laid out four strategic pillars:
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Upgrading national vector surveillance networks
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Strengthening climate-adaptive monitoring systems
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Expanding vector control infrastructure
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Integrating data to support evidence-based interventions
Ji Young-mi, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), announced a mid-to-long-term plan for infectious disease vector surveillance and control at the Osong government complex, outlining key strategies to strengthen public health measures. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Key initiatives include expanding regional surveillance hubs from 16 to more than 30, and rolling out AI-based mosquito monitoring systems (AI-DMS) that can collect and analyze real-time vector data, reducing surveillance response times from seven days to less than 24 hours.
The agency also plans to intensify border monitoring at airports and seaports to prevent the spread of subtropical mosquito species, such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. High-risk zones like Jeju Island will host specialized monitoring centers.
In partnership with other government agencies — including the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Rural Development Administration — the KDCA will scale up the use of shared technologies such as high-altitude vector traps to track long-range vector movements.
Additionally, a unified Vector Surveillance Information Platform will provide the public with region-specific and seasonal data, enhancing transparency and community awareness.
The KDCA will also transition to evidence-based vector control, expanding its share of data-driven interventions from 10% in 2025 to 50% by 2029. These methods rely on real-time density data and GIS mapping to determine when and where vector control is needed. A 2023 pilot project using this approach led to a 23% drop in mosquito populations, a 60% reduction in control activities, and a 63% decrease in citizen complaints.
“Vector-borne disease threats are accelerating in the era of climate crisis,” said KDCA Commissioner Jee Young-mee. “Through this long-term plan, we aim to reduce the public health risks posed by these evolving ecological challenges.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
