Members of Antigua and Barbuda’s Vector Control Unit are currently undergoing rigorous training to enhance the country’s ability to combat mosquito-borne diseases.
The five-day Integrated Vector Management Training, organized by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in partnership with Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, will look to update the nation’s vector control strategies.
“We are expecting a big improvement in our vector control programme,” said Stacey Gregg-Paige, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health with responsibility for primary healthcare, who added that the programme was a crucial step in the effort to develop a “more robust, data-driven vector control programme”.
“By equipping our Vector Control Unit with the latest tools and strategies, we can ensure that our country is better prepared to respond to and mitigate the impact of vector-borne disease outbreaks, ultimately contributing to the overall health and resilience of our communities,” Gregg-Paige added.
The training programme covers topics like new methods for monitoring and controlling mosquitoes and using data to make better decisions.
Participants will be expected to learn new ways to fight diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, which are major health issues in the region.
Chief Health Inspector Sharon Martin emphasised the importance of the trainees fully absorbing the knowledge shared during the workshop.
“I am imploring you to take on board the information provided by the facilitators. This will equip us with the necessary tools and expertise to better protect the public from the threats posed by mosquitoes and other disease-carrying vectors.”
Rajesh Ragoo, Senior Technical Officer of CARPHA’s Vector-Borne Diseases Unit, explained to Observer media that the training programme aims to strengthen Antigua’s capacity in various aspects of vector control, including surveillance, data analysis, and the implementation of effective interventions.
“This comprehensive training will give Antigua’s vector control programme the additional capabilities needed to effectively manage vector-borne diseases nationwide and across the region,” Ragoo said.
“By enhancing the unit’s skills and knowledge, we can work towards transforming the programme from its current state into a sustainable, evidence-based initiative that benefits the entire country.
“The goal is to develop an effective, data-driven programme that can accurately forecast and predict the risk and impact of vector-borne disease outbreaks, ultimately benefiting the entire country and the wider Caribbean region,” he added.
