The Health Protection Department and other partners in Anguilla observed World Health Day on Monday this week focussing on vector-borne diseases and the eradication of mosquitoes to prevent such problems as chikungunya.
“We will be looking at vectors, vector-borne diseases, how to protect yourself, your community, the environment and the importance of vaccination,” Health Educator, Ms Rochelle Rogers, said in chairing the opening ceremony. “This fair is another opportunity for members of the public to gather information and to ask as many questions in order to protect themselves.”
The fair, which has as its theme “Small bite, big threat”, brought together personnel from the Departments of Agriculture, Environment, Health Protection, Health Promotion, Community Nursing and the National Trust.
Director of Health Protection, Ambrell Richardson, said although his department was mandated to protect the health of the public from vector-borne diseases, there was a need for all persons to help prevent the breeding of vectors on their premises and in the community. “These diseases have a high burden of illness and death for individuals, their families and communities especially in poor countries,” he said.
Mr Richardson warned that the chikungunya fever outbreak in Anguilla, and the rest of the Caribbean region, was having a negative impact on the affected islands. He stated that during recent fogging – to kill adult mosquitoes – the Government and the Department of Health Protection had spent sixty thousand dollars. Further, the Government approved funding for the recruitment of an additional vector control officer in order to strengthen the vector control programme. “This investment in human capital will enable the department to better protect the health of the public from bites and diseases,” he said.
The heath fair was declared open by Chief Minister Hubert Hughes who has responsibility for health:“World Health Day provides an opportunity for individuals in every community to get involved in activities that can lead to better health.” He continued, “In light of the recent chikungunya outbreak, which was completely new in our region, I think the theme, vector-borne diseases, is a very fitting one. This year’s campaign aims at raising awareness about the threat posed by vectors and vector-borne diseases, and to stimulate families and communities to take action to protect themselves.
“A core element of the campaign is to provide communities with information. As vector-borne diseases begin to spread beyond their traditional boundaries, action needs to be taken where these diseases currently thrive.
“Through this campaign, we are aiming for the following: families must know how to protect themselves against vectors…in countries where vector-borne diseases are public health problems, Ministries of Health should put in place measures to improve the protection of their population; and in countries where vector-borne diseases are an emerging threat, health authorities should work with environmental health and relevant authorities, locally and in neighbouring countries, to improve integrated surveillance of vectors and to take measures to prevent their proliferation.”
The Chief Minister commended the Health Authority of Anguilla and the Department of Health Protection for organising the very important health fair.
