Environmental Health Departments Vector Control Unit Enhances Mosquito Control Efforts with Drone Training

Press Release

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 3^rd February 2025 – The Environmental Health Department, within the Ministry of Health and Human Services, continues to enhance its vector control strategies through technological advancements. In partnership with Healthy Wave Consultancy, specialized drone training sessions were conducted in North Caicos on January 28, 2025, and Providenciales on January 29, 2025.

The training focused on the deployment and operation of the DJI Agras T10 drone, a state-of-the-art aerial spraying device that will be utilized by the Vector Control Unit to improve efficiency in mosquito control efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. The DJI Agras T10 is designed to provide targeted larvicidal treatments in hard-to-reach and high-risk mosquito breeding areas, ensuring a more effective and environmentally friendly approach to mosquito management.

The training sessions, facilitated by experts from Healthy Wave Consultancy, provided hands-on instruction in drone operation, maintenance, safety protocols, and strategic aerial application techniques. This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Health and Human Services’ ongoing commitment to employing innovative methods in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Zatanya Handfield Vector Control Coordinator, stated: “The introduction of drone technology marks a significant step forward in our mosquito control program. With the DJI Agras T10, we can enhance our larvicide application efforts, reduce manpower constraints, and improve coverage in areas that were previously challenging to access.”

Permanent Secretary Mrs. Desiree Lewis also expressed support for the initiative, stating: “The integration of drone technology into our vector control efforts represents a ground-breaking advancement in public health protection. This initiative not only increases efficiency but also allows us to implement environmentally responsible mosquito control measures. We remain committed to leveraging innovation to safeguard the health and well-being of residents and visitors in the Turks and Caicos Islands.  She further thanked the Minister of Health Hon. Shaun Malcolm for his unwavering commitment and support in relation to this initiative.”

The Environmental Health Department remains dedicated to protecting public health through sustainable and effective vector control measures. The adoption of drone technology will support ongoing efforts to reduce mosquito populations and mitigate the risks associated with vector-borne diseases in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.