More than 80% of the world’s population is at risk of vector-borne disease and many of these diseases are concentrated in the poorest communities in tropical and subtropical regions; they cause unacceptable mortality and morbidity and impede economic growth. A new and comprehensive approach to preventing diseases and responding to outbreaks is clearly needed — one that engages multiple sectors and communities and is based on the best available evidence base. The 70th World Health Assembly adopted the strategic approach outlined in a new WHO Global Vector Control Response (GVCR) for 2017–2030. The response aims to reduce the burden and threat of vector-borne diseases through effective, locally adapted, and sustainable vector control. It is an approach for tackling multiple vectors and diseases that requires action across many sectors beyond health, including environment, urban planning, education, etc. The recent outbreaks of Aedes-borne diseases call for concerted action to deal with increased urbanization, erratic water supply, increased movement of people and commodities, altered land use patterns, and other environmental changes, including climatic changes that extend the distribution of vectors and pathogen transmission to more temperate climes. The GVCR provides a unique opportunity to work together and address the increasing burden of vector-borne diseases. This new approach is supported by the Vector Control Advisory Group (VCAG) that was established by WHO in 2013 in order to carry out independent evaluation of the public health value of innovative new tools, technologies and approaches for vector control and to enable WHO to provide evidence-based advice to Member States on whether their deployment and strategy is the most appropriate for their specific circumstances.