The St Lucia Red Cross is defining its programme of prevention against the Zika virus using key messages of the International Red Cross.
Said Terencia Gaillard, Director General : āThe St Lucia Red Cross has a mandate to support public health authorities in disease prevention. We have begun engaging with the Ministry of Health, our volunteers and the IFRC to develop a community awareness strategy that includes all stakeholders including community members and leaders.ā
On Tuesday volunteers and members attended an education session on the Zika virus conducted by Dr. Glensford Joseph of the Ministry of Health.
On Tuesday also the International Federation of the Red Cross launched an emergency appeal for 2.4 million Swiss francs (2.3 million US dollars). The funds raised will be used to support National Red Cross Societies of the Americas including the Saint Lucia Red Cross to address prevention, communication and vector control to reduce the spread of the Zika virus.