The Ministry of Health will continue its drive to strengthen its community intervention as part of its Phase Two response to Zika, with the next scheduled community meeting to take place Friday August 19, 2016 at the Country Pride Supermarket Parking Lot in St. Ann at 4p.m.
The meetings, which began in July, are geared toward strengthening public education and achieving behavior change with respect to the reduction of Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding sites in and around the home. They also stress the need for individual responsibility to reduce the impact of the Zika virus. The format includes a panel of technical experts from the Ministry of Health and Regional Health Authorities, who will facilitate discussion on Zika related issues as well as respond to questions from residents.
Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton said “these community meetings will provide updates on Zika and give residents the opportunity to get more clarification on any issue related to the virus as we move to reinforce the need for individual responsibility.”
In light of the potential health risks associated with pregnancy and Zika, special emphasis will be placed on the importance of prevention of the infection in pregnant women.
The first meeting was held on Thursday July 21, 2016 at the Sandy Bank Primary School in St. Elizabeth.
Individuals who wish to obtain more information may call the Ministry of Health or the nearest health centre. Persons may also visit our website at moh.gov.jm and like and follow us on www.facebook.com/themohgovjm;https://twitter.com/themohgovjm; https://instagram.com/themohgovjm.