author(s)
Shruthy NV, Akansha Goldi and Dr. Ajay Kumar

abstract
Arthropod borne vector borne diseases have been one of the greatest concerns relating to global health. More than a million people are affected annually across the globe, making these infamously responsible for covering a major proportion in the rates of mortality and morbidity, especially in the tropical environments. In order to bring the alarming situation of VBDs into consciousness and control, the World Health Organization called to recommence efforts in this regard in the year 2014. The awareness theme included the slogan “small bite, big threat”. Obviously, to lead the population into growing stable health, a healthier public health system is equally important as healthcare. Further, for a successful public health system, human resource forms link to turn thoughts and missions into promising outcomes. Pertaining to this, medical entomologists play a crucial role in checking the transmission of vector borne diseases which are degrading world health as a whole, including country India. Here, the paper emphasizes on capacity development initiatives in the field of public health and medical entomology in our country, thereby improving and strengthening resources and skillset. The reduced count of public health entomologists in India indicates that there is a wide gap between need and the availability. To tackle the outbreaks caused by vector borne diseases in the country, this gap needs to be filled immediately. Considering this scenario, Indian Council of Medical Research has initiated a post graduate program in public health entomology. This is a two-year full-time class room as well as field-based program which has been introduced at five centers in different locations of the country. The determined approach to develop capacity in the field of medical entomology would benefit in providing new, collaborative study work, observations, and ideas for research in vector biology and in turn implement inferences gained from them for proper control of vectors and prevention of VBDs. The vision also adds up to promoting and expecting public health entomologists as an asset in vector control programs, both nationally and worldwide for certain times to come in the future.