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“The increased severity of dengue and the occurrence of new viruses that have swept through the Region tell us we have a gap in regional health security where vector borne diseases are concerned.  This year we had storms that were unprecedented.  We are expected to see more monster storms which will cause disruption including making the environment more favorable for vectors.  Hence the need for integrated vector management and looking at some of the new tools that are available.”  
 
These were the words of Dr C James Hospedales, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), as he spoke at the Opening Ceremony of the Integrated Vector Management (IVM) coordinated by the Agency.   
 
The two-day meeting held from 5-6 December 2017, at the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre, brought together participants from 27 English, French, Dutch and Spanish speaking countries in the Region to review and discuss the adaptation of standardized protocols for improved vector surveillance, including insecticide resistance testing.  The meeting will engage regional vector control managers in discussions related to the adaptation and use of a IVM toolkit in national vector control programmes.
 
The transmission of vector-borne diseases is strongly influenced by demographic, social and environmental factors, resulting in the emergence and re-emergence of yellow fever, malaria and dengue; and more recently, the emergence of chikungunya and zika in the Region. 
 
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Edwin Bolastig, Advisor Health Systems and Services, PAHO/WHO Country Office, Trinidad and Tobago said, “Vector borne diseases claim more 700,000 lives every year.  The burden is highest in tropical and sub-tropical areas such as the Caribbean. Unplanned urbanization and lack of a reliable pipe water supply or solid waste management can render large populations at risk of mosquito borne diseases.  Despite these challenges, most of these diseases can be prevented through vector control, if it is planned and implemented well and sustained.  The success of response to the growing threat of VBD will depend on strong country leadership, enhanced advocacy, resources mobilisation and coordination among partners.   Dr Edwin told participants “This workshop is very timely, and your discussions will be important in strengthening your national vector control programmes, preventing and controlling vectors and ultimately protecting the health of your populations against the vector borne diseases.” 
 
Ms Monica Paul-McLean, Programme Manager, European Union Delegation, also spoke at the opening of the workshop.  She spoke about the collaboration between the EU and CARPHA geared towards contributing to efforts to improve the public health of the Caribbean people and outlined the EU’s support to CARPHA since 2013.  She said “CARPHA has been working to strengthen health systems across the Region, to better monitor, prevent and control Zika and other mosquito borne diseases.  The EU has pledged to continue to support
health systems strengthening for prevention and control of epidemics and mosquito borne diseases in the Caribbean.   It is our aim to continue to work hand in hand with Caribbean countries towards the achievement of healthy lives for people of all ages thus contributing to the attainment of SDG 3: good health and wellbeing – which we are all committed to achieve by 2030.”  
 
“I am pleased to witness another significant step towards the reduction and eventual eradication of vector borne diseases in Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean region and eventually globally,” stated Honourable Mr Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health Trinidad and Tobago, in his feature address.  
 
Minister Deyalsingh went on to say tires thrown into the environment become the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.  It is concerning to note that many of the vector borne diseases we currently struggle with today can be prevented through informed protective measures which can be undertaken by members of the public.  He urged participants to collaborate further with agencies such as the European Union and CARPHA to get mosquito borne diseases under control.  In closing the Minister applauded CARPHA for their efforts and being proactive.” 
 
During the workshop funded by the European Union, new tools and technologies for vector control will be highlighted and a plenary session on Opportunities for Strengthening Vector Control in the Caribbean will take place on the final day of the workshop.  Participants will also discuss the progress of the Caribbean VectorBorne Disease Network (CariVecNet) which was launched in Cuba this year.  
 
CARPHA’s IVM Toolkit is designed to be used by vector control programme managers as a guide in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of an IVM approach. The Toolkit also provides information on common mosquito vectors and vector-borne diseases in the Caribbean and the tools for vector control operations within the IVM context.