Mosquito-borne diseases continue to pose a major public health threat across the Caribbean and the wider world, prompting regional health officials to intensify prevention efforts through education and community action.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, malaria and chikungunya have long been affecting people across the world. According to the World Health Organization, vector-borne diseases “account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, causing more than 700,000 deaths annually.”

Director for Corporate Services at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr. Mark Sami, says adopting source reduction methods will aid in preventing breeding sites for mosquitoes.