Cuban epidemiologists arrive
Nadira Gunatilleke
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Cuban epidemiologists Dr. Aramis Martinez, Dr. Ms. Yelina and
Cuban Ambassador Ms. Nirsia Castro Guevara look on while
Director General Health, Dr. P.G. Maheepala examines the BTI
bacteria.
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Two Cuban epidemiologists, Dr. Ms. Yelina and Dr. Aramis Martinez
arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (21st) morning and were welcomed by Cuban
Ambassador Ms. Nirsia Castro Guvera. They have brought the BTI bacteria
to Sri Lanka with them, a Healthcare and Nutrition ministry spokesman
said.
He said that the two specialists met Ministry Secretary Dr.Athula
Kahandaliyanage and other ministry officials on Tuesday evening and they
will meet Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva this
morning.
The two specialists will visit Hambantota and Tangalle this evening.
They will stay in Sri Lanka for a period of one week and study the
situation.
According to the spokesman the specialists have revealed that Dengue
prevalence in Cuba is zero at the moment and the main reason behind the
success is active community participation and positive response of the
public.
Cuba does not use any chemicals to control mosquito density and
distribute BTI bacteria among all households once a week. Then the
people apply BTI on all mosquito breeding sites located within their
properties. The officials visit each and every household once a month
and carry out awareness programs and inspections.
Director General,Health Services, Dr. P.G. Maheepala explained the
ongoing dengue control program to the two specialists.
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