Chairman: Spraying constant in Penal/Debe

THE Penal/ Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC) has a programme of year-round spraying to deal with mosquito-borne diseases. PDRC chairman Dr Allen Sammy was responding to queries about whether the corporation has instituted increased spraying to combat diseases like malaria, after a scare which the Health Ministry says is unfounded.

In a phone interview he said the corporation has a “very active” public health department which not only sprays regularly but also ensures that drains and overgrown lots are cleaned.

“We never, ever stop spraying. We have a schedule where we are spraying continuously throughout the year. And if we not spraying we are rat-baiting, so we have an ongoing programme where we move in cycles, because we are also mindful of putting chemicals into the environment and into people’s lungs, so we do it in a manner in which we sweep across the entire 246 square kilometres where there are people living. So we don’t have to do anything special, in that we are always spraying.”

He said the corporation also ensured that drains are cleaned and serves notices for littering and for overgrown lotsthat may harbour mosquitoes. “So we have a comprehensive programme rather than a singular programme of spraying alone.”

The Insect Vector Control Division of the Ministry of Health has advised people expected to travel to a country or area where malaria is present to visit the unit before they go.

It said, “Staff at the unit can give you malaria prophylaxis (drugs that help protect you against malaria) and advice on how to avoid infection. Please note that you must start taking malaria prophylaxis drugs one week prior to your departure and for four weeks after leaving the malarial area. If you have a fever following a visit to a country in which malaria is common, you must contact the unit immediately. Malaria can be fatal, especially if it is not treated promptly.”

Sammy also commented on the collapse of the David Granger-led coalition government in Guyana.

“You must never take your marginalised and your minorities for granted. And that is a lesson that applies even when resources are supplied by the State. Do not say, ‘Because people are peaceful and will not cause trouble I will give them less resources.’

Comments

"Chairman: Spraying constant in Penal/Debe"

More in this section