One thousand (1000) Vector Control Aides have been certified through the Heart Trust/NTA as part of the Ministry of Health’s vector control initiatives. This was a part of the Ministry’s overall Zika response to reduce mosquito breeding sites. The course was developed and delivered by Heart Trust/NTA to vector control aides from across the island.
Vector Control Aides have been instrumental in the distribution of educational material in communities island wide by going house to house to speak to residents about mosquito breeding sites as well as engaging in house inspections.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of these Aides on Saturday December 10, 2016, Minister of Health Dr. the Honourable Christopher Tufton said “through the efforts of these Vector Control Aides there has been a decline in the infection rate of Zika.” Dr. Tufton added that although there is a decline “we cannot become complacent as our first line of defense for public health and wellness is for people to take personal responsibility for their health and environment.”
The support of the Vector Control Aides helped to complement and bolster the regular vector control initiatives carried out by the Ministry of Health such as surveillance, fogging, larvicidal activities and public education and awareness.