# World Mosquito Day and global disease vector research > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/world-mosquito-day-and-disease-vector-research > Updated: 2026-08-19T22:01:00.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2. World Mosquito Day, observed annually on August 20, commemorates historical medical breakthroughs, such as Sir Ronald Ross’s discovery of malaria transmission via the Anopheles genus and Carlos Juan Finlay’s proposal regarding yellow fever and the Aedes aegypti mosquito. As mosquitoes remain a primary driver of global mortality through diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, health authorities are deploying diverse control strategies. In João Pessoa, Brazil, the Municipal Health Secretariat is utilizing Larvicidal Dissemination Stations (EDLs) to spread larvicides via mosquitoes to new breeding sites. Meanwhile, in Guimarães, Portugal, health officials have alerted citizens to the presence of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), reinforcing the need to eliminate stagnant water. Climate change and urbanization continue to expand mosquito habitats and facilitate the spread of invasive species. In response, the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN) has urged African governments to increase investment in scientific research and surveillance. This follows 2024 data showing Africa accounted for 94 per cent of global malaria cases and 95 per cent of deaths. Experts emphasize that mosquito laboratories are essential for studying development, behavior, and reproduction. Research focuses on addressing emerging threats like insecticide resistance through innovations such as malaria vaccines and genetic modification techniques, including microinjection, to develop new tools for disease prevention. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-19: World Mosquito Day highlights global fight against deadly diseases World Mosquito Day marks the anniversary of Sir Ronald Ross’s malaria discovery, highlighting global efforts to prevent mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika through sanitation and vector control. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-mosquito-day-commemorates-breakthroughs-in-disease-vector-research ### 2026-08-19: African research networks urge increased science investment for mosquito control On World Mosquito Day, AMMREN called for increased scientific investment in Africa to combat evolving mosquito-borne threats like malaria, dengue, and insecticide resistance. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/african-research-networks-urge-increased-science-investment-for-mosquito-control --- Cite as: World Mosquito Day and global disease vector research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/world-mosquito-day-and-disease-vector-research