Senepa brigades fight dengue with equipment donated by Itaipu

Photo Itaipu

Asuncion, IP Agency.- The National Malaria Eradication Service (Senepa) is intensifying its vector control efforts in six departments of the country, using equipment recently donated by Itaipu Binacional.

The Binational assistance is being provided within the framework of the project “Support for the prevention and control of Arboviruses” and is focused on the departments of Alto Paraná, Central, Capital, Presidente Hayes, Caaguazú, Canindeyú and Guairá, Itaipu reported.

This program includes monitoring, follow-up and control mechanisms, with a special focus on the provision of temporary human resources and the supervision of the use of the equipment provided. These deliveries include vehicles, machinery, lubricants, insecticides and laboratory supplies.

A few days ago, a group of supervisors visited the aforementioned departments to verify compliance with the agreement. The inspection was carried out by Marcela Fleitas, a member of the supervision team of the Senepa Support Agreement, and focused on evaluating the operation of the brigade members and the proper use of resources.

“We carried out a supervision tour to verify whether the contracted workers were fulfilling their tasks and covering the stipulated areas. The results show a significant reduction in infestation rates since the start of the agreement,” Fleitas said.

In addition, visits were made to regional offices and tours were made to verify the tasks of raking, destruction of breeding sites and awareness raising. It was confirmed that the workers were adequately equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) and that the donated machinery and vehicles were being used correctly.

The Tesãi Foundation, the executing arm of Itaipu, has been supporting the operational management of Senepa since March 2024. This support includes the provision of computer equipment, laboratory equipment, uniforms, PPE, printed materials, vehicles and machinery; as well as insecticides for the prevention and control of arboviruses throughout Paraguay. In addition, a group of temporary staff was hired to carry out field work.

The Government’s efforts, with support from Binational, are aimed at preventing and reducing mortality from dengue, chikungunya, zika and yellow fever in the Paraguayan population.