On Tuesday morning health officials from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) gave a presentation to the Council of Ministers about Chikungunya in the format of integrated vector management. Representatives from the Ministry of Public Health were also present.
Sint Maarten now has two confirmed cases of Chikungunya on the Dutch side, and it is important for collective intervention and responsibility not only of government but also from the community and the people.
Fogging is not the sole response based on the fact it only knocks down the adult mosquito that is important however to control the mosquito population, it is necessary for community to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, where persons are requested to clean their immediate surroundings.
An awareness campaign is currently underway by the Department of Communications where the information is distributed within the media but also within the various sectors in our community.
In collaboration with the French Side in addition to fogging, banners are hung across the streets to place emphasis on the need of working together in decreasing the mosquito population and ensuring the control of the disease.
Citizens are called upon to be advocates in the elimination of the mosquito breeding sites, which is a collective responsibility.
The CARPHA/PAHO team comprises of Dr. Babatunde Olowokure (CARPHA), Dr. Karen Polson. (CARPHA), Camille White (CARPHA), Dr. Pilar Ramón-Pardo (PAHO/WHO HQ), and Dr. Washington Lum (PAHO/WHO Venezuela).
PHOTO CUTLINE: Ministers are seated on the left and right in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall. DCOMM Photo