With the rainy season fast approaching, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is urging individuals to play their part to prevent the spread of vector borne diseases. Head of Vector Borne Diseases, Dr. Laura Lee Boodram, explained that the public should be conscious of the many vector borne diseases such as dengue and must take the necessary actions to prevent themselves from getting bitten and becoming ill especially as health systems the world over remain inundated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the 17th Special Session of the CARICOM Heads of Government on public health threats, held in November 2014, Heads approved a proposal for the establishment of an annual “Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week” to be observed by member states with the support of CARPHA, the CARICOM Secretariat, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This year, mosquito awareness week was held from May 4 to 10, under the theme: “Let’s Unite to Fight the Bite.”