The Ministry of Health continued its Mosquito Awareness Week Outreach Campaign on Friday at Gulf City Mall in South Trinidad.
The initiative aims to educate citizens on how to prevent and control mosquito-borne diseases, particularly in light of the upcoming rainy season.
With the rainy season approaching, the Ministry of Health is ramping up efforts to educate citizens on mosquito control and dengue prevention.
Minister of Health Dr. Lackram Bodoe said the campaign is focused on awareness, community responsibility, and early intervention.
Last year, Trinidad and Tobago recorded a high number of dengue cases and deaths. Dr. Bodoe said the Ministry is taking no chances this year.
“Our policy is better to be safe than sorry in cases like this… and of course, we also want to urge those who may be experiencing symptoms of dengue to seek medical attention at the earliest possible I think that is very important.”
He said the ministry is collaborating with the relevant stakeholders to prevent another outbreak.
“I think it’s going to be a coordinated effort this year between the Ministry of Health and the local government bodies. And I am hoping that the effort this year will be a much stronger, a much more coordinated effort and that is the reason we have started earlier this year.”
The Minister encouraged communities to partner with health officials to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and support ongoing spraying and cleanup efforts.
“But we are also taking the opportunity to ask citizens to do whatever is necessary to ensure that the mosquitoes do not reside in their homes. So this really is the purpose of this display.”
The outreach saw over 250 school children participating in the event.
The Mosquito Awareness Week Outreach Campaign at Gulf City Mall was the third event hosted by the Ministry – as the campaign made previous stops in East and Central Trinidad.