Chair of the University of the West Indies’ Task Force on Zika says they’re going all-out in their efforts to fight the virus and the mosquito that spreads it.
Members of the task force held a press conference in Barbados today, to update the region on their plans.
[audio_mp3 url=”https://nationwideradiojm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Prof-Landis-all-out-on-mosquito-Mar10-2016.mp3″]
Strong words from Professor Clive Landis, Chair of UWI’s Task Force on Zika.
Landis, who’s the Deputy Principal at UWI’s Cave Hill Campus, is a former director of the University’s Chronic Disease Control Center.
UWI is pumping its own funds into Zika research and eradicating mosquito populations across the Caribbean.
They’ve also started raising funds from international donors.
Professor Landis says they’ve joined the fight because current strategies haven’t been working.
[audio_mp3 url=”https://nationwideradiojm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Prof-Landis-mosquito-fight-failing-Mar10-2016.mp3″]
The Professor says they have to focus on getting individuals to take more responsibility for their own surroundings.
[audio_mp3 url=”https://nationwideradiojm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Prof-Landis-personal-responsibility-Mar10-2016.mp3″]
This is particularly important because, according to Professor Landis, mosquitos don’t actually travel far.
[audio_mp3 url=”https://nationwideradiojm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Prof-Landis-mosquito-very-local-Mar10-2016.mp3″]
UWI Vice Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles says fighting Zika has become an emotional issue.
[audio_mp3 url=”https://nationwideradiojm.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Sir-Hilary-UWI-has-to-be-part-of-resolution-Mar10-2016.mp3″]
-30–
