Community-Based Approach to Environmental Health

Contact: Ayodele Hippolyte

Monday, February 26, 2001 – Students of the Vieux Fort Comprehensive School are taking an active role to control mosquito-borne diseases in their community under an initiative involving the Department of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health.

The start of this community-based initiative coincided with the launch of the school’s environmental club last Wednesday. On that occasion, the Department of Environmental Health hosted a series of lectures on mosquito-borne diseases to equip the students with the necessary information to pass on to residents of their community.

Senior Environmental Health Officer for Vieux Fort, Leo Plummer, said the partnership with the students is an attempt to sensitise the community of Vieux Fort in a new way that is more dynamic and interactive.

In the past, traditional methods of mosquito control were through the use of chemicals and to a lesser extent biological treatment. Additionally, vector control officers of the Department of Environmental Health were the only persons actively involved in the campaign against mosquito infestation.

Mr. Plummer said the department decided to take advantage of "the wave of health promotion and community empowerment" by involving the Vieux Fort Comprehensive School’s Environmental Club in its fight against mosquito-borne diseases.

In collaboration with the Department of Environmental Health, the students will be conducting field visits, disseminating information to households and conducting other activities that will hopefully engage the community of Vieux Fort in this campaign to prevent and control mosquito borne diseases.

The mosquito is a carrier of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever and thrives in areas of stagnant water and poor sanitation.

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