The Environmental Health Division, in partnership with the Ciceron Development Committee, spearheaded a large-scale community cleanup on February 8 and 9, 2025, targeting mosquito and rat breeding grounds. This proactive initiative mobilised residents, volunteers, and key agencies to tackle poor waste disposal, a major contributor to vector-borne diseases. By clearing high-risk areas of stagnant water and waste buildup, the campaign reinforced the community’s commitment to environmental health and disease prevention.
Senior Environmental Health Officer in the Environmental Health Division, Charletta Charles, emphasised the importance of eliminating vector breeding sites and educating the community on best practices. “This activity is aimed at reducing vector or mosquito breeding sites within the community. We have conducted extensive training with community members, helping them identify mosquito breeding sites in and around their homes and advising them on how best to eliminate these risks. Today, we are focusing on removing major mosquito breeding sites, including bulky items such as old fridges, stoves, and washing machines that collect water when it rains.”
Building on the momentum of the Mosquito Awareness Campaign 2024, the clean-up drive focused on high-risk areas, particularly locations prone to stagnant water accumulation and waste buildup. The Interim Chair of the Ciceron Development Committee underscored the importance of sustaining the progress made through the cleanup initiative. “Residents play a vital role in maintaining a cleaner and healthier community. Simple actions like putting out bulky waste on designated collection days, clearing drains and gutters, properly covering water storage containers, and de-bushing areas around homes are essential. Additionally, repurposing household items for composting and gardening can contribute to environmental sustainability. Most importantly, looking out for one another and promoting cleanliness will help preserve our community’s well-being.”
Environmental Health Officers, community leaders, and residents worked together to remove discarded household items, clear clogged drains, and eliminate other waste materials that serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents. Encouraging greater youth involvement, one Ciceron resident Mr. Marlon Ben participated in the cleanup highlighting the need for unity and ongoing efforts to keep the surroundings clean and safe.
“It’s important for us to take responsibility for our environment because we live here. God provided this community for us, and we must keep it clean. Cleanliness is next to godliness. My family and I do our best to maintain our surroundings, and I encourage young people to take an active role in community activities. We need to work together in unity to elevate each other and grow our community with cleanliness.”
By taking collective responsibility and implementing sustainable practices, Ciceron is leading the way in the fight against vector-borne diseases, reinforcing the importance of community-driven action in safeguarding public health.