chikungunya prevention campaign in Haiti

January 23, 2015 7:27 PM

Since the first identification of Chikungunya in last May, more than 65,000 suspected cases of Chikungunya have been reported in Haiti. The volunteers of the Haitian Red Cross Society are working actively on the streets of Croix-des-Bouquets to make people aware of the disease. The Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease; an infection caused by the Chikungunya virus. It causes an illness with an acute feverish phase lasting 2 to 5 days, followed by joint pains; in certain extremities this pain may persist for years. The Haitian Red Cross Society is working to curb the critical effect of the virus and keep people safe. The volunteers are canvassing some simple but relevant information to many ignorant residents who are not yet aware that how their lives are exposed to this dangerous risk. They are organizing 'train the trainer programs' whereby a trained volunteer will further train others in his community to distribute important information on this epidemic, like, symptoms, how to prevent the disease and where to seek the right treatment.

In collaboration with the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population, the community health workers are working effectively to help over 25,000 people in the most Chikungunya affected areas; reducing transmission, providing knowledge and access to the health centers. The volunteers have become successful in encouraging locals to listen and act properly to take preventive measures.

183 volunteers, trained in epidemic control methodology underwent a further course on disease transmitting organism (vector diseases) so that in a better way, they can control the epidemic which is actively present in the environment.

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chikungunya prevention campaign in Haiti

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