World Dengue Day

The dengue crisis continues to grow at an alarming rate in Latin America and the Caribbean – 8.4 million cases have been reported in this region so far this year. (UN)

The risk of dengue is especially high for people in urban areas who live near the breeding sites of the Aedes mosquito, which are typically domestic water containers, plant holders and old tyres.

It is in these settings in five states of Venezuela that MENTOR is working with the community to raise awareness of the disease, improve diagnostics and reinforce hygiene practices.

MENTOR began a programme here at the end of 2021 supporting efforts to prevent the spread of dengue. Activities include:

·       Training health professionals in disease case management
·       Supporting laboratories to increase diagnostic capacity and the
distribution of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs).
·       Improvements to water and sanitation.
·       Distributing water tanks and lids for water containers.
·       Raising awareness of hygiene and handwashing in schools.

In Venezuela, 7.6 million people need humanitarian assistance because of the political and economic crisis in the country (UN, Dec 2023) A crisis that has caused the mass displacement of people to neighbouring countries. Those that remain face violence, soaring inflation, a shortage of food and reduced health services.

Community-based vector control focusing on water, sanitation and hygiene activities is key to protecting people from dengue and helping to reduce its spread and the suffering it causes.