163 - The Organizational Structure and Success of the Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit

Abstract: The Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit (PRVCU) is a program of the non-profit Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, established through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2016. Its foundation was solidified by Executive Order OE-2016-037, issued by the Governor of Puerto Rico in response to the Zika virus outbreak, which declared a public health emergency and created the PRVCU to focus on vector control, particularly targeting the Aedes aegypti mosquito, responsible for transmitting Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. Since its inception, the PRVCU has been entirely funded by cooperative agreements and grants, playing a pivotal role in the island’s vector control efforts. The PRVCU’s mission is to implement a territory-wide Integrated Vector Management (IVM) Program. This includes capacity building at the municipal level, support services for municipalities, a robust community engagement program, and an extensive research and evaluation component focused on testing and applying innovative technologies to meet Puerto Rico’s vector control needs and beyond. While grants from agencies like the CDC and HUD have been essential to the PRVCU’s success, the unit’s future sustainability requires legislative support. Relying solely on grants makes the program vulnerable to funding fluctuations, limiting its long-term impact. Therefore, securing legislation that provides stable funding, such as dedicated public health funds or incentives for public-private partnerships, is critical. This presentation will explore how the PRVCU’s non-profit structure, collaborative partnerships, and legislative needs influence its goals, resource allocation, and adaptability. It will highlight how this model can serve as an example for other mosquito control programs striving for a balance between independence, public health collaboration, and sustainable funding.