United Kingdom government donates equipment to Belize’s Health ministry

By BBN Staff: Yesterday, various vector control equipment was officially handed over to the Ministry of Health in Belize by the government of the United Kingdom.

The equipment is valued at $30,000.

The donations were made possible through a partnership established with Belize and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to support vector control efforts.

The donation comes after a discussion between the agencies to strengthen surveillance and outbreak response in high-risk areas for Dengue and Zika.

Some of the strategies to be used by the agencies include:

1. The piloting of an Aedes Mosquito Surveillance Program supported through the procurement of 30 Android-based tablets, which would allow program managers to have real-time information on the Aedes mosquito infestation levels in order to monitor potential threats, and take appropriate interventions;

2.The donation of two Aedes mosquito traps for the collection of the Aedes mosquito eggs, which allow for the monitoring of the infestation levels as well as the provision of eggs for rearing which can be used to monitor insecticide resistance;

3. The donation of over 140 traps for the collection and rearing of mosquito eggs.

The equipment has been delivered and most will now be distributed to assist vector control staff in the Corozal, Orange Walk and Cayo districts.

H.E. Peter Hughes, British High Commissioner to Belize, handed over the equipment on behalf of Public Health England.

Hughes  expressed his support for continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the British Government.