Community cleaning days targeting the removal of even the smallest containers in Venezuela are preventing the spread of infectious diseases by reducing the waste in which the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes breed.
In urban areas solid waste management and removing potential breeding sites is critical to prevent the diseases Aedes mosquitoes transmit such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya.
Venezuela is experiencing a complex humanitarian crisis which impacts regular waste management services. Since 2021, MENTOR has been supporting Aedes Prevention Assistants (APAs) to lead cleaning days that help protect the health of the community and improve public spaces.
So far, the team has supported 185 community cleaning days across five states with 2,804 people taking part.
An APA supervisor in Miranda State said: “Community cleaning days are important because we can raise awareness and see changes in cleanliness and hygiene. The people feel cared for and participate in the campaigns. People feel that they are spaces for sharing, companionship, and joy.”
APAs also go house to house with hygiene promotion messages including the prevention of other vector-borne diseases such as leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.
During a visit to a home in Bolivar State, an APA identified a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis that had not had medical attention and was able to arrange treatment with a thorough follow up.
The prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis is unknown in Venezuela, so it is crucial to inform community members about signs/symptoms, prevention and care routes.