Environmental Health Division through the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs will observe the annual Vector Awareness Week from June 26th to 30th, 2023. The observance
coincides with the peak of the rainy season which runs from June 01st to November 30th. This period is usually associated with an increase in the number of cases of vector-borne diseases especially Dengue Fever and Leptospirosis. The week-long observance aims to rally individuals and communities to take an immediate and concerted action in order to reduce the number of vector – borne disease cases we see yearly. This year’s Vector Awareness Week will be held under the theme, “Vectors Be Gone! Better St. Lucia Come Along!
Among the highlight activities for the week are two community exhibitions in Dennery and Soufriere. At those exhibitions, residents will be educated on the factors contributing to the proliferation of vectors in their communities and how best to control them. Various units within the Environmental Health Division will be featured such as, Food Safety, Water and Waste Water Management and Port Health Surveillance. The Environmental Health Division will also be partnering with other government departments and agencies in hosting the various events.
In the past, Saint Lucia has experienced a number of Dengue Fever outbreaks with 2020 being the most recent, following major rainy events. The Environmental Health Division is concerned that if unchecked, the presence of key drivers for Dengue transmission, like a high Aedes Aegypti mosquito population, high baseline of Dengue cases, outbreaks in neighboring islands and low population immunity against the circulating serotypes, may lead to another Dengue outbreak. Therefore, the public is urged to take urgent collective action to reduce mosquito breeding in and around the home in the fight against Dengue Fever and to avert a major outbreak.
The Environmental Health Division urges everyone to maintain good environmental practices and ensure that essential vector control measures are implemented at all premises under your responsibility. The following must be done in an effort to reduce the mosquito population:
● remove standing water from your property
● clear overgrown vegetation
● Keep roof gutters clear.
All citizens are also reminded to protect yourself and loved ones against vector-borne diseases by instituting personal protective measures such as: applying insect repellent regularly, and wearing long-sleeve tops and long pants.
The Ministry looks forward to your continued collaboration and support in making Vector Awareness Week 2023 a success.
