Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week in May 2025

By Cory Wayland
[email protected]

Antigua and Barbuda will join the Caribbean Islands in observing Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week from May 12th to 16th, 2025. 

The Central Board of Health (CBH) and the Vector Control Unit are gearing up for a focused campaign aimed at reducing mosquito populations through innovative strategies.

This year’s initiative will concentrate on two primary approaches: source reduction and biological control measures.
Notably, the campaign will address the presence of bromeliad plants, which, while admired for their aesthetic appeal, create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes due to their water-retaining cup-shaped leaves. This contributes to the transmission of mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.

Recognizing the challenges posed by bromeliads, the CBH plans to remove these plants from government properties, particularly those frequented by vulnerable communities such as clinics, schools, and geriatric homes. “While we cannot remove all bromeliads, starting with government properties can significantly impact our public health efforts,” stated a CBH representative.

In addition to the removal of bromeliads, the Vector Control Unit will distribute larvivorous fish, such as guppies and Gambusia, which naturally consume mosquito larvae. This eco-friendly initiative will target areas with stagnant water, like unfinished foundations and cisterns, effectively reducing mosquito populations sustainably.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has retained last year’s theme, “Stop Disease Transmission, Start Source Reduction,” while the CBH has introduced its own slogan, “Block the Breeding, Stop the Feeding!”

The campaign scheduled from May 12th to May 16th focuses on combating mosquito-borne diseases in Antigua and Barbuda. It will kick off with a media blitz, including local TV and radio appearances, alongside a social media effort to engage the community.

This will launch the “Bite-Free Garden Day” initiative at the Bolans Police Station, followed by several days dedicated to replacing water-holding plants with safer alternatives at locations like Jennings Primary School and the Bishop John E. Knight Golden Age Home.

The week will conclude with “Fish Against Larvae Day,” which promotes natural mosquito control by distributing larvivorous fish to the public. Overall, the campaign aims to raise awareness and implement sustainable mosquito management solutions to enhance public health on the island.