Jamaican health officials took a unique approach to increasing
awareness of the Zika virus by creating a culturally grounded PSA. The PSA is of
a Jamaican song artist rapping about the precautions that people should take in
order to prevent the contraction of Zika virus. He warns people to dispose of
old tires, turn over old cans, and to use bug spray. One line in particular
that was highlighted was his message to expectant mothers, "a special
shout out to pregnant ladies, protect yourselves and protect your babies."
This was stated because of the major fear of Zika virus causing microcephaly in
newborn babies.
In addition to the PSA the Jamaica Social Investment Fund
(JSIF) will be rolling out its Super 18 ZikV intervention program under the
Integrated Community Development Project (ICDP), which will be funded through a
US$42-million loan from the World Bank. This will allow the hiring of 365 “zika
warriors” who will be trained, certified and provided with temporary employment
as community vector control aide. The program will be from November 7th
to January 20, 2017.
-Vander Harris
Links:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/jamaica-fights-zika-virus-outbreak-reggae-infused-psa/story?id=36954684
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