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CARPHA Urges You to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones Against Mosquito Borne Diseases During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 8 May 2021 – “The world has been engaged in battling the novel coronavirus COVID-19 since it was declared a pandemic on March 10, 2020.  The new normal has seen many nations continuing to integrate social distancing, wearing facial masks and hygiene measures into everyday life. Some countries still maintain closed borders and restrict population movement in efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19. These measures allow health systems to maintain readiness in order to manage the pandemic and other important public health threats that can emerge at short notice.

During the last quarter of 2020, several CARPHA Member States reported localised outbreaks of Dengue, a mosquito borne disease, which placed an even greater burden on national health systems already engaged in managing the pandemic. “Moving forward to 2021, we must all play our part in the prevention and control of mosquito borne diseases in order to maintain our health and well-being, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic” stated CARPHA Executive Director, Dr Joy St. John, in observance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2021.

“The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a major vector, which spreads diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. These diseases can be a significant cause of illness and even death, impacting countries negatively on an economic and social level”, said Dr. Laura-Lee Boodram, Head of Vector Borne Diseases at CARPHA. She further added, “The introduction of Chikungunya and Zika in 2014 and 2016, respectively into the Caribbean Region, together with the presence of competent vectors such as Aedes aegpyti, means that constant vigilance must be maintained.

The potential for outbreaks to occur and the introduction of new mosquito borne diseases in the Caribbean region is an ever-present threat.  CARPHA works in conjunction with Member States and various International Development Partners on strategies to prevent and control mosquito borne diseases in the Region.

Caribbean Mosquito Awareness week (CMAW) was declared in November 2014 at the 17th Special Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government on Public Health Threats. CMAW is held annually in May and is an important reminder to the general public to take action to reduce their risk of diseases spread by mosquitoes. 

In 2021, CARPHA’s CMAW slogan states, “Tiny…but DEADLY. Don’t wait…ERADICATE!”, placing emphasis on measures to control mosquito breeding.  As the rainy season approaches, water can accumulate in the base of plants pots, vases, buckets and used vehicles tires, which are typical breeding sites.  An increase in vector populations will further the risk of disease transmission.

Mr. Rajesh Ragoo, Senior Technical Officer, Vector Borne Diseases, CARPHA recommends, “The best way to “fight the bite” around homes and communities, is to ensure that our surroundings are clean and free of materials or containers that can accumulate water. Water storage drums and tanks should also be properly covered and inspected periodically to ensure that there is no breeding.” He further indicated, “It is also important to minimize individual exposure to mosquito bites. Vulnerable groups such as infants, young children, older adults and women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant are at greater risk. Personal protective measures including the wearing of long-sleeved clothing and the use of insect repellents are strongly recommended. 

In late 2019, CARPHA entered into a grant agreement with the European Union (EU), which supports regional prevention and control efforts against mosquito borne diseases. Focus will be placed on strengthening Member State disease surveillance systems and vector control operations, expanding community engagement, public health education and increasing partnerships and collaborations to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with mosquito borne diseases.

CARPHA recommends that greater efforts be placed on mosquito awareness in communities, and vector control activities should be intensified. CARPHA has developed Mission Mosquito, an innovative information toolkit, which includes animated videos, posters and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).  The toolkit is specially packaged to meet the needs of a diverse audience, which include public health professionals and clinicians, pregnant women, and children. The toolkit is available here  http://missionmosquito.carpha.org/.   Communication material developed for CMAW 2021 is available here.

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Caribbean News

CAAP Works on Major Boycott Movement to Help Palestine

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

#Israel#Palestine#CAAP – The Caribbean Against  Apartheid in Palestine  (CAAP) is working on a Boycott Divestment Sanctions or BDS movement in Barbados for Israeli companies, to help suffocate financial backing  to the Israeli army that’s attacking Palestine. Member of CAAP Dr Saudah Muhammad, speaking at a CAAP Press Conference on Friday March 17, goes into detail, mentioning an Israeli company called Sabra Hummus as the first target to boycott, using the buying power of consumers to decrease their financial gains. She points out that Sabra Hummus was chosen because of its connection to the Israeli army.

“Sabra Hummus is co-owned by PepsiCo and Strauss group, which is an Israeli food company and they provide financial support to the Israeli army, so using our purchasing power to cut their funding, then directly supports a cut in funding to the genocide and to arms,” she said.

 

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Caribbean News

Haiti Chaos Update

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

#Haiti, March 18th. 2024 – The situation in Haiti is worsening at an alarmingly fast rate, the suffering of Haitians especially women and children, now increased. On Saturday, March 16,  reports say a UNICEF container, one of 17, with maternal, neonatal and child survival essentials was robbed in the capital Port au Prince,  depriving vulnerable women and children of vital health supplies. Hospitals across Haiti are forced to close, leaving only 4 out of 10 hospitals functional and two surgical operating facilities. Also, the main Airport in Port-au-Prince, reports say, remains closed after a recent gang attack. Now, despite the recent developments by CARICOM officials towards political stability, there is push back from gangs as leader Jimmy Cherizier is reported saying they will not recognize decisions made by CARICOM.

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Bahamas News

RBDF Operation Strengthens Maritime Security Amidst Regional Turmoil

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Defence Headquarters, 17 MAR. ’24: A joint operation between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) led to the apprehension of 50 Haitian migrants approximately 5 nautical miles west of Bell Island on Saturday, March 16th.

The operation was initiated following the initial sighting of a sailing vessel, believed to be of Haitian origin, 8 miles southwest of Staniel Cay in the Exumas. RBDF swiftly deployed air and surface assets stationed at Matthew Town Inagua, supported by Police officials in Staniel Cay who verified the sighting. The migrants were intercepted by RBDF personnel stationed at the Land and Sea Park, Wardrick Wells Exuma, and subsequently handed over to the safe boat crew. They are currently under apprehension pending further investigation, with the imminent arrival of HMBS Rolly Gray.

In response to the ongoing instability in Haiti, Commodore Raymond King has announced the implementation of a strategic blockade in the southern Bahamas. This initiative includes the deployment of six surface vessels, one aircraft, and 120 highly skilled RBDF personnel. Patrol operations will be concentrated in critical areas such as the northern coast of Haiti, the Old Bahama Channel, and the Windward Passage, with the aim of deterring unauthorized entry attempts and preserving maritime security in the region.

The effectiveness of these decisive measures is evident, with recent apprehensions totaling 247 individuals by the RBDF. Commodore Raymond E. King emphasizes the commitment to bolstering maritime security through collaborative efforts with regional partners and local law enforcement agencies.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s borders and territorial integrity, working collaboratively with regional partners.

(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel)

-rbdf-

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