DR Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, met with Professor Dr Simone Sandiford from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, on Tuesday to discuss the upcoming Adult Mosquito Training Session. The session aims to strengthen the nation’s efforts in mosquito surveillance, an essential component of public health initiatives.

During the meeting, Dr Anthony and Dr Sandiford outlined the key objectives of the training, which will focus on entomological surveillance and effective mosquito-control strategies. The training is set to engage trainees from various sectors in understanding the critical role of vector control in preventing mosquito-borne diseases.

Dr Sandiford, along with fellow facilitators, will lead the session, providing in-depth training on how to enhance surveillance efforts and implement effective mosquito-control measures across the country.
In attendance at the preparatory meeting were several key technical leaders from the Ministry of Health, including: Dr Reza Niles, Director of Vector Control Services; Dr. Annastacia Sampson, Acting Focal Point for Neglected Infectious Diseases; Dr Olivia Valz, Acting Deputy Coordinator of the Malaria Department; Dr Keisha Nelson, Acting Coordinator of the Aedes-Borne Diseases Department and Ms Tashana Bowman, Acting Head of the Entomology Department

The training session is part of the Ministry of Health’s continued efforts to build capacity in vector control and support the national response to mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria and dengue. The ministry aims to enhance its ability to monitor and control mosquito populations, which are key in mitigating the impact of these diseases on the public.

This initiative marks another step in the ministry’s ongoing commitment to improving public health through strategic partnerships and comprehensive training programmes.