The WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES) promotes and coordinates the testing and evaluation of pesticides for public health. It functions through the participation of representatives of governments, manufacturers of pesticides and pesticide application equipment, WHO Collaborating Centers and research institutions, as well as other WHO programs, notably the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS). WHOPES comprises a four-phase evaluation and testing program, studying the safety, efficacy and operational acceptability of public health pesticides and developing specifications for quality control and international trade.

Mosquito nets, curtains or window screen (insecticide-treated nets or ITNs) can be treated with safe insecticides. This treatment either kills or repels vectors attracted by human hosts sleeping under the treated net or resting in rooms fitted with treated materials. When ITNs are used only by a fraction of the population, they provide personal protection only. When they are used by most of the community members, they have a mass impact on vectors and prevent transmission in a similar way as IRS.

ITNs are a tool for personal protection and/or vector control. Insecticide treated materials (curtains, screens..) have potential application in control of vector borne diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis or dengue.

Deltamethrin - WHO Specifications and Evaluations for Public Health Pesticides, WHO, 2008

Quality Control of Pesticide Products - Guidelines for National Laboratories, FAO and WHO, 2005

Manual on development and use of FAO and WHO specifications for pesticides, FAO and WHO, 2002
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Manual sobre elaboración y empleo de las especificaciones de la FAO y de la OMS para plaguicidas, FAO and WHO, 2002