Under the Environmental Health Program, the Vector Control Unit has the responsibility for carrying out surveillance, prevention and control measures to protect the population against major vector borne diseases, particularly Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika and Chagas disease. It executes, on an ongoing basis, a series of mosquito vector control interventions within areas at risk for the aforementioned mosquito borne diseases. The program is also responsible for the development and dissemination of information, education and communication (IEC) materials to the public.
Vector Control Program
To reduce the social and economic impacts of vector borne diseases in Belize by implementing prevention and control measures based on the principles of integrated vector management.
The vector control program legal mandate derives primarily from the Public Health Act, Chapter 40, R.E. 2003, other Acts and supporting Regulations.
The Program is technical coordinated by a Chief of Operations who operates under the Office of the Director of Health Services. Each district program is led by a supervisor who leads a team comprised of environmental assistants, malaria evaluators, malaria microscopists and ultra low volume (ULV) operators. The district programs carry out a series of field interventions to protect the Belizean population of major vector borne diseases. Collectively the program operates with approximately 60 staff.
Priority Areas for the Program
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- Malaria and Dengue – SDG Target 3.3 End the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases
- Identification, treatment and elimination of mosquito breeding sites (chemical and biological)
- Investigation of cases of vector borne diseases
- Provision of malaria prophylactic treatment for travelers
- Conduct adult mosquito control through cold and thermal fogging applications
- Provide information, education and communication materials targeting the prevention of vector borne diseases
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Department Contact Information
Mr. Kim Bautista
Vector Control Chief of Operations
Phone: Tel: 501-822-2325
Email:
kbautista@health.gov.bz