Dear Editor

The president of the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA), recently called for a national unity campaign, to stem the rapid spread of the chikungunya virus by destroying mosquito breeding sites island wide. He says Jamaica’s political parties should use their powerful party machinery to organize Jamaicans and implement a national drive.

Whilst I agree with his message and wholeheartedly endorse his plea, I would like to suggest that the campaign goes one step further and includes the Jamaica Defence Force. I personally believe that this threat to Jamaica’s health, also impacts its economy and national security. Having some 40-60% of the Jamaican population impacted by the chikungunya virus, could easily translate to millions of lost man-hours and significantly reduced productivity.

It also can mean a significant reduction in the operations of the Police Force and hence impact national security.

It is commendable that the Government is making some $30 million available to help with the response, however simply throwing money at this problem without a fully comprehensive and executable plan will not achieve the desired results.

In addition, the JMDA president also suggests that no amount of fogging can solve the problem being caused by the reckless behaviour of some communities and residents who dispose of their garbage and other waste in areas that create large breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

We note recently where the President of the USA has sent some 3,000 troops to the West African region, to assist with halting the spread of Ebola on the continent. I am suggesting a similar response, possibly coordinated by the ODPEM and the Health Ministries. There are certain logistics and emergency responses that can be best implemented by the JDF and the threat is significant enough to include them at this stage.

The time to act and to act decisively is now.

WAYNE WILLIAMS

MANCHESTER