Spatial repellents: The current roadmap to global recommendation of spatial repellents for public health use

Spatial repellent (SR) products release volatile active ingredients that protect against mosquito bites during the day and early evening, provide protection in enclosed spaces, and have the potential to be effective against insecticide-resistant vectors. While key stakeholders, including the World Health Organization, have discussed the potential role of SRs in reducing arthropod-borne diseases, there is a lack of epidemiological data on their public health impact. Trials are being conducted to address this gap and inform a WHO policy recommendation on SRs. The SRs are being evaluated for their potential effectiveness against malaria and dengue and their projected cost-effectiveness.