In observance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2026, the Ministry of Health through the Central Board of Health (CBH), has intensified its public education efforts aimed at reducing mosquito breeding and protecting public health across the nation.
As part of this year’s activities, teams from the Central Board of Health have been visiting schools throughout not only Antigua and also Barbuda to educate students on mosquito awareness, prevention, and environmental responsibility. During the sessions, students are being taught about the dangers associated with mosquitoes, including the various diseases that can be spread through mosquito bites, such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus.
The educational outreach also focuses on helping children identify common mosquito breeding sites found around homes and communities, including old tyres, drums, flower pots, blocked drains, and uncovered containers that collect standing water. Students are being encouraged to play an active role in keeping their surroundings clean and safe by assisting with the elimination of breeding sites both at school and at home.
To further reinforce the message in an engaging and child-friendly manner, the CBH has developed an interactive activity book that highlights mosquito prevention practices, environmental cleanliness, and personal responsibility. The activity book includes educational exercises, colouring pages, puzzles, and other interactive activities designed to make learning about mosquito control both informative and enjoyable for students.
Principal Public Health Inspector Julienne Mannix emphasized the importance of educating children at an early age so that preventative habits can become a normal part of daily life.
“We believe that children are powerful agents of change within their homes and communities. By educating them about the dangers of mosquitoes and how to eliminate breeding sites, we are not only protecting them, but also empowering them to encourage positive behavioural changes within their households,” Mannix stated.
She further explained that community participation remains one of the most effective tools in reducing mosquito populations and preventing outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses.
“Mosquito control is not solely the responsibility of the Central Board of Health. It requires a collective national effort. Simple actions such as properly covering water containers, cleaning gutters, disposing of old containers, and keeping yards clean can significantly reduce mosquito breeding,” she added.
The initiative forms part of the broader regional observance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week, which seeks to raise awareness throughout the Caribbean about the impact of mosquitoes on public health and the importance of prevention and environmental management.
The Central Board of Health is encouraging all residents to support the campaign by taking proactive steps to reduce mosquito breeding around their homes and communities, while also reinforcing the lessons being shared with children during the school visits.