Minister of Health, Dr Christopher Tufton was among the officials leading the charge at the ‘Operation Mosquito search and Destroy’ campaign launched in in Ocho Rios, St Ann on Saturday, March 12. It was the first official function involving a minister of government in the parish since the new JLP administration took office. Another minister, MP for NorthEast St Ann, Shahine Robinson with responsibility for labour and social security was also in attendance. But the day was more about mosquitoes -– or the eradication of them — as the North-East Regional Health Authority (NEHRA) launched their ‘Operation Mosquito Search and Destroy’ Cleanup campaign at the Ocean Village Shopping Centre. Dozens of community residents turned out to show their support to destroy mosquito breeding sites and to reduce the risk of contracting the ZikV mosquito borne virus which is spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Members from NEHRA and residents were at the launch. Following the formalities the health team and volunteers went to the target communities, Mansfield Heights, Buckfield and Parry Town to search for and eradicate as many mosquito breeding sites as possible. Also present at the launch were: Mayor of St Ann’s Bay Desmond Gilmore and Sherine Huntley-Jones, medical entomologist. Dr Tufton urged the community members to accept that it’s their responsibility to clean up their communities and surroundings to prevent Zik V from being developed in areas where catchments are, such as open drums and old tires.
Related Post
