A dengue-free future motivates me to join the project
In Vietnam dengue is endemic throughout the southern region and central coast. On average more than 90,000 cases are recorded every year – 70% of them in the south. But hundreds of thousands more cases will go undetected. As there is currently no effective vaccine against dengue and no specific treatment for the disease, controlling and preventing dengue fever outbreaks are essential steps for keeping people healthy. Action on Poverty , World Mosquito Program and Pasteur Institute are partnering in implementing the Wolbachia method – a new, natural and safe method of eliminating mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever, in 2 cities of southern Vietnam. But it’s difficult for people to accept unknown changes. That’s why the first phase of the roll-out focuses on community engagement, ensuring the communities are informed about the Wolbachia method. Only when they are up to speed and onboard will the first mosquito release get the green light to go...