WHILE the number of cases this year is much the same as in the previous year, it cannot be said that we are losing the battle against dengue.

Quite the opposite, in spite of the formidable challenge posed by a tiny foe, a common mosquito that easily lays eggs, which become larvae, in even small amounts of water, and from which a single bite can lead to illness or death.

"I don't think we are losing the battle," said senior medical officer in the Ministry of Health and Environment, Dr Ronald Knight.

"We have seen quite a dramatic change since our Public Education Programme, and the advertisements. The knowledge level has increased tremendously. And the public is to be congratulated on our success in controlling dengue."

Knight explained the important role that health inspectors perform. "The country is divided into six catchment areas, with an officer in charge of each one."

The Community Education reaches out "to schools, especially primary, where we started, with the help of the Pan American Health Organisation, with two schools in a pilot project. Since then the education has been on-going, and the children are enthusiastic, producing posters and taking park in quizzes. Teachers are also very supportive with some having done special training about dengue," Knight said.

"The battle against dengue is not a Ministry of Health fight alone, but for the entire country. We can only succeed if every person takes an active part. Each person has to become his or her own home inspector," he added.