The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has unveiled a regional initiative aimed at combating the rising threat of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. This project, part of CARPHA’s Pandemic Fund, includes the distribution of 21 fogging machines and essential pesticide chemicals across seven member states, including Dominica.
This initiative is timely as 2023 marked a record high for Dengue cases in the Americas and Caribbean, with the trend unfortunately continuing into 2024. The efficient management of mosquito populations is critical, and fogging devices are essential tools that apply insecticides in fine droplets, directly targeting adult mosquitoes where they breed and feed.
The pesticide supplied to the member states, Kontrol 30/30, is a pyrethroid that mimics natural insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Selected for its effectiveness in overcoming pesticide resistance, this chemical promises to significantly reduce adult mosquito populations.
Dr. Lisa Indar, CARPHA’s interim executive director, highlighted the importance of proactive health measures. “This latest acquisition from the Pandemic Fund project is a vital enhancement to our vector control initiatives. It showcases our dedication to assisting member states in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases. Our goal is to eliminate these diseases by equipping communities with the right resources,” Dr. Indar stated.
Moreover, Dr. Horace Cox, the Acting Director of Surveillance, Disease Prevention, and Control, urged vector control personnel to adhere to established protocols during the calibration and upkeep of the new machines.
In addition to Dominica, the initiative will benefit Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. This allocation underscores CARPHA’s commitment to delivering specialized resources and support to member nations facing escalating challenges from mosquito-borne diseases.
This project is part of CARPHA’s broader mission to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies in the Caribbean. The agency is continually working to raise awareness, educate communities about effective mosquito control measures, and provide vital resources to member states. Campaigns like Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week play a crucial role in promoting strategies to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and safeguard vulnerable populations against bites.
CARPHA’s dedication to supporting its member states is crucial for enhancing vector control efforts and ensuring that communities are sufficiently equipped to tackle the risks linked to mosquito-borne diseases.
