
The Caribbean Public Health Agency’s CARPHA, through its Pandemic Fund (PF) Project, has embarked on a regional strategy aimed at reducing the impact of mosquito-borne illnesses such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. This initiative has recently seen the distribution of 21 fogging machines along with the necessary insecticide chemicals to bolster vector control in seven member states, including Dominica.
The impetus for this initiative comes as the Caribbean faces heightened challenges with vector-borne diseases. The year 2023 recorded an alarming surge in Dengue cases across the Americas and the Caribbean, marking it as the highest year for reported incidents. This trend has regrettably continued into 2024, necessitating urgent action. Fogging machines play an essential role in controlling mosquito populations by dispersing insecticides in fine droplets, targeting adult mosquitoes effectively in their breeding and feeding grounds.
The specific chemical provided to the member states, known as Kontrol 30/30, belongs to the pyrethroid class — a group of synthetic pesticides formulated to closely mimic natural insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers. These chemicals were intentionally chosen to combat the growing issue of insecticide resistance, ensuring high efficacy in reducing adult mosquito populations.
Dr. Lisa Indar, the Ad Interim Executive Director of CARPHA, underscores the importance of proactive health measures.“This latest procurement by the PF project represents a timely boost to our vector control efforts and underscores our commitment to assisting our Member States in addressing the continued risk of mosquito-borne diseases. By equipping Member States with both machines and the necessary chemicals, CARPHA aims to reduce mosquito borne diseases by ensuring vector control measures are in place to protect communities,” Dr. Indar said.
Furthermore, Dr. Horace Cox, the Acting Director of Surveillance, Disease Prevention, and Control, reminded vector control officers of the essential nature of adhering to standard operating procedures for the calibration and maintenance of the newly introduced machines.
The other six countries alongside Dominica benefiting from this initiative include Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. This distribution reportedly highlights CARPHA’s commitment to providing tailored resources and support to member states, particularly in response to the rising threat of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
This vector-borne disease control initiative forms part of CARPHA’s broader mission to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies in the Caribbean. The organization remains dedicated to raising awareness, educating communities on effective mosquito control practices, and delivering critical resources to assist member states. Initiatives like Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week are vital in promoting strategies to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and protect vulnerable populations from bites.
For additional information on mosquito-borne diseases and measures to safeguard your community, visit the Caribbean Mosquito Awareness website.
CARPHA’s continuous commitment to supporting its member states seeks to play a crucial role in enhancing vector control efforts, ensuring that communities are effectively prepared to confront and mitigate the risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases.
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