The Government of Saint Lucia, through the Ministry of Health, has launched the “Mosquito No More” campaign, a comprehensive national effort to combat the growing threat of mosquito-borne diseases. The initiative emphasises education, multi-sectoral collaboration, and long-term public health sustainability amid rising concerns over dengue, chikungunya and Zika outbreaks in the region.
Speaking at the campaign’s launch at the Bel Jou Hotel, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Jenny Daniel underscored the urgency of the initiative, citing past epidemics and an alarming global increase in mosquito-borne illnesses.
Daniel highlighted climate change, frequent regional travel, and heightened mosquito activity as key factors driving outbreaks every five to seven years.
“It has been widely documented that 2023 and 2024 have been record years for daily cases leading to increased hospitalisations and deaths,” she noted.
In response, the government, in partnership with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the European Union, has ramped up investments in disease mitigation.
Daniel said the campaign will adopt a “coordinated, multisectoral approach based on science and flexible in catering to the needs of at-risk populations.”
Education plays a central role in the initiative, with schools being leaned on not just as academic institutions but as “community hubs” for engaging students and families in public health efforts.
“The Ministry of Education oversees more than 100 schools… which presents significantly unique opportunities for integrating vector-borne disease prevention into the full curriculum,” Daniel said.
The campaign will utilize social media, radio and community meetings to ensure broad outreach. She said these platforms are crucial for reaching vulnerable groups, including those with limited access to digital technology.
Faith-based organisations and community groups are also being enlisted to amplify the message.
Through this integrated approach, the “Mosquito No More” campaign aims to drive behavioural change, eliminate mosquito breeding sites and reduce the public health burden. As Daniel concluded, “Let us commit to adopting best practices to curb mosquito vectors. Together, we say, ‘Mosquito no more’.”
The campaign will begin with a pilot program in select communities before expanding nationwide. Stakeholders and citizens are urged to participate in what is being called one of the most critical public health missions of the decade.
And the flies?