The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is urging member states to adopt integrated vector management approaches as the region grapples with a resurgence of Chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases.
With Chikungunya spread through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, CARPHA emphasized that while source reduction remains the cornerstone of prevention, insecticide resistance testing (IRT) has become critical—especially during outbreaks when chemical spraying and fogging are used to target adult mosquitoes.
Since commissioning its new Mobile Insectary Facility in October 2025, CARPHA can now provide IRT, including molecular testing, to Caribbean member states using WHO-approved methodologies. The agency has completed testing for two countries and is currently working with four others, with plans to bring on two additional states in 2026.
“These test results allow vector control personnel to identify the appropriate chemical agents that will have the desired effect on mosquito populations,” the agency stated, noting that without such testing, it’s difficult to determine whether insecticides are actually beneficial to control programs.
Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar highlighted CARPHA’s capacity-building efforts, including training workshops held in August, September, and December 2025 focusing on integrated vector management, insecticide resistance testing, geographic information systems, early warning systems, and new vector control technologies.
The agency is also developing a Regional Integrated Early Warning System and working with the Caribbean Vector-borne Diseases Network (CariVecNet) to facilitate timely information sharing across member states.
CARPHA encouraged families to practice personal protection measures including wearing long-sleeved clothing, using insect repellent containing DEET or similar compounds, sleeping under mosquito nets, and installing screens on doors and windows.