The UN and Ministry of Health work to reduce Vector Borne Diseases through New Equipment

Dr. Erica Wheeler, PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago, recently hosted a short ceremony to handover equipment that will aid the Ministry of Health in the fight against vector borne diseases. The items include:

• Personal protective equipment for use during vector control activities, namely 200 noise-control earmuffs and 134 facemasks.

• Equipment for improved laboratory diagnostics for vector borne diseases and mosquito identification, namely 2 new microscopes and repairs to 6 existing microscopes.

• Six entomology text books to support vector control activities.

These items, as well the 500 malaria rapid diagnosis test kits and malaria medications previously donated, will assist the Ministry in the control of vectors and reduction of the occurrence and spread of vector borne diseases.