Launching of anti-leptospirosis campaign-Ministry intensifies efforts to reduce incidence of leptospirosis |12 September 2005

The ministry officially launched an anti-leptospirosis campaign on Friday September 9 at the Anse Royale Hospital’s compound to continue sensitising the public on the need to take precautions against the disease.

Through presentations by environmental health officials and poems as well as songs by schoolchildren, Health and Social Services Minister, Vincent Meriton, the principal secretary for Health, Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, WHO country liaison officer, Dr Rui Gama Vaz, environmental health officials, other officials from the health department as well as members of the Anse Royale community, listened to key messages being promoted by the anti-leptospirosis campaign.

Those present had the opportunity to listen to advice on how to eliminate rodents, their breeding ground, as well as other preventive measures.

In addition, occupational risk groups such as farmers are being urged to adopt positive attitudes and practices when undertaking outdoor activities to improve and maintain a clean environment and a high standard of sanitation and hygiene at all times.

While launching the campaign, director general for Community Health, Jude Gedeon, noted that statistics showed that so far four people have died from the disease this year.

“Even if we intensify our efforts to identify people who have contracted the disease early and treat them, the most important thing is prevention,” Dr Gedeon said, adding that this could only be done by reducing the rat population.

Stating that rats are the main carriers of the disease, Dr Gedeon called on everyone to adopt positive attitudes and practices when undertaking outdoor activities to improve and maintain a clean environment.

The campaign is expected to be carried out in all districts.