As part of the 2025 Vector Awareness Campaign, the Environmental Health Division hosted a Road Show in Choiseul on Sunday, August 10, 2025, marking one of the key activities in this year’s public outreach efforts.

The event, which began at River Doree, brought together environmental health officers and officials from the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, alongside partners including the Choiseul District Disaster Committee, the Choiseul Cooperative, and local residents.

Through this collaborative initiative, participants engaged the community with educational messages, practical demonstrations, and prevention tips aimed at reducing the spread of vectorborne diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika and Leptospirosis.

Environmental Health Officer Glenda Etienne-Cepal highlighted the link between the rainy season and the increased risk of vector-borne diseases, stressing the need for communities to take preventative action.

“The rainy season has started and with the rain comes a lot of pooling of water, when water pools that the perfect environment for vectors like mosquitoes and rats to breed and make little ones, these little ones go around in the different communities and they have the potential to spread diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika virus also leptospirosis, so the ministry of health and wellness has taken this initiative in order to spread the message, inform different communities and community members about the steps that they can take to prevent themselves and their families from getting infected with diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya or leptospirosis.”

A resident of Choiseul Herbert Jn Baptiste praised the Environmental Health Division for the initiative, sharing his own experiences and challenges in dealing with vectors and the threat of vector-borne diseases. He highlighted that there is an issue of mosquitoes in the community given that residents don’t follow some of the prevention actions and therefore is happy that the Ministry of Health is educating.

Participating in the road show was the Junior Vector Control Ambassador Genesis Vitalis who has welcomed her responsibility to be an advocate for vector control efforts and ensuring the population are aware of the necessary actions to reduce the spread of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and rats.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs is urging residents island-wide to remain vigilant during the rainy season by eliminating breeding sites, protecting their homes, and adopting safe health practices.