CARPHA supports reduction in dengue and other mosquito borne illnesses in Antigua and Barbuda through fogging machines and chemicals

As part of its ongoing commitment to combat epidemic prone illnesses such as mosquito-borne diseases, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), through its Pandemic Fund (PF) Project, has expanded its vector borne diseases prevention and control initiative by providing 21 fogging machines and the necessary chemicals to enhance vector control in seven Member States (MS).

These donations contribute to strengthening the fight against diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya, which continue to pose a significant public health threat in the Caribbean region.

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Dengue transmission in the Americas and the Caribbean led to 2023 being the year with the highest number of reported Dengue cases. This trend continued in 2024 with many countries experiencing surges in cases. Fogging machines are essential tools for controlling mosquito borne illnesses, dispersing insecticide in fine droplets to create a fog that targets adult mosquitoes where they breed and feed.

The Kontrol 30/30 chemical donated to Member States is a pyrethroid class of chemical – a group of man-made pesticides that are similar to the natural insecticide pyrethrum, which comes from chrysanthemum flowers.

They differ from the commonly used organophosphate class of chemicals and have been specifically selected to mitigate the possibility of insecticide resistance and ensure optimal knockdown of adult mosquitoes. The recent acquisition of the machines, coupled with the accompanying chemicals, ensures effective application and coverage of large areas, reducing mosquito populations and the transmission of diseases.

Dr. Lisa Indar, Ad Interim Executive Director of CARPHA, emphasised the importance of proactive measures in managing public health threats. “This latest procurement by the PF project represents a timely boost to our vector control efforts and underscores our commitment to assisting our Member States in addressing the continued risk of mosquito-borne diseases. By equipping Member States with both machines and the necessary chemicals, CARPHA aims to reduce mosquito borne diseases by ensuring vector control measures are in place to protect communities,” Dr. Indar said.

Dr. Horace Cox, Acting Director Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control reiterated that “notwithstanding this generous donation to boost control efforts, vector control officers are urged to adhere to standard operating procedures for the calibration and maintenance of these machines”.

The seven benefiting countries are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. This expansion of CARPHA’s support highlights the organisation’s dedication to providing tailored resources to Member States in need, particularly in response to the growing threat of mosquito-borne diseases.

This initiative is part of CARPHA’s broader mandate to respond to public health emergencies across the Caribbean region, and its ongoing commitment to prevention and preparedness for potential epidemics, supported by the Pandemic Fund Project. CARPHA continues to lead regional efforts in raising public awareness, educating communities on effective mosquito control practices, and providing critical resources to Member States.