FLANKER, St James — The American Government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), will be providing US$500,000 to support Jamaica in its fight against dengue.

The revelation was made by US Ambassador to Jamaica Nick Perry during a Dengue Outbreak Community Intervention function held at Flanker Primary and Junior High School in this western parish last Friday.

The event was aimed at highlighting the partnership and USAID’s support through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Also discussed at the event was America’s plan to assist with the education component of the health ministry’s Dengue Outbreak Mitigation Plan.

“With an initial investment of US$500,000 from USAID, mosquito repellent, mosquito nets, and covers for water drums will be provided to almost 1,000 schools in communities most impacted by dengue at the moment,” USAID said through additional information provided upon the request of the Jamaica Observer.

During his address, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton welcomed the reintroduction of civics in schools, claiming it will assist in the ongoing fight against viruses in terms of keeping the mosquito population down.

“My message to you today, madam principal and teachers, embrace the Government’s reintroduction or re-emphasis around civics in schools. It is one of the biggest positives that I can identify in terms of what the Government is trying to do in educating our youngest about how society works and what their role is. And dengue can be used as a big part of that messaging,” he said.

Flanker Primary and Junior High School Principal Collette Barnes, in an interview with the Observer, pointed to the importance of the programme to the community.

“What better way to spread awareness than through the children? We often say we try to transform lives through education and the community. I often tell people that this very school is a beacon of hope in this community and anything that you want to get out and get to the parents, you give it to the students because they will deliver it to them. I think that based on that the ministry decided to come to the school to give awareness to our students and let them spread the information,” she said.

Coming out of a recent visit to the school by health officials, an environment club was launched two weeks ago.

In addition, following the community intervention function, a commitment was made during a meeting by USAID and local partners who will be returning to the school at a later date to train teachers and students in a six-month programme that will focus on clean-up and protection of the environment.

There will also be a behaviour component to the programme under which students will be taught how to deal with conflict resolution, among other things.