THE Ministry of Health, Wellness, Human Services and Gender Relations is observing Vector Awareness Week , under the theme “Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Today; Keep Zika Away.”
The week commenced with a school march from the Babonneau Playing Field to the Babonneau Multipurpose Centre, followed by a Vector Awareness Week launching ceremony.
At the ceremony, Babonneau Constituency Council Chair, Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte, pledged the council’s continued support in sensitizing the community.
“The council has been very proactive,” she said. “It initiated a community clean-up campaign in February held in concurrence with the Ministry of Health, the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority and the residents of the Babonneau Community extending from Balata to Des Barras. As a result of this joint venture, the community was able to move a total of 11,140 tons of garbage and bulky items.
“One of our challenges is that the council has no jurisdiction over people’s private homes and backyards. Therefore, we encourage residents to play their part in helping us destroy the mosquitoes.”
Minister for Health, Alvina Reynolds, stressed the importance of eliminating mosquito’s breeding sites.
She said: “Source reduction is the core strategy of the Ministry of Health. Vector borne diseases affect not only families but the national economy. The tourism industry, for example, was hit with several cancellations due to the threat of Zika, despite there being no confirmed cases on the island.”
Why not give a few examples of breeding sites or ways in which we can reduce the spread of these viruses.For example getting rid of all stagnant water. Avoid having damp areas near the home. Wearing long loose clothing at dust or later. This reduces the number of bites. Constantly informing the public of simply ways to reduce health hazards are never too overbearing.