“Super Hunters” A Strategy to Promote Good Practices for the Control of Vector Borne Diseases in School Children of a Rural Community in Yucatan, Mexico - Abstract
Introduction: The implementation of methods for prevention-control of diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti and other arthropod vectors should consider approaches involving urban and rural communities. A pending strategic component for integrated vector management is the inclusion of models for educational and health promotion interventions at schools v.gr. ludic strategies.
Objective: To implement the strategy “Super Hunters” as part of an educational proposal with elementary school students about the vector Aedes aegypti and the transmission of vector-borne diseases to motivate favorable changes and good practices for health in a rural community.
Material and methods: The intervention was carried out in Yaxunah, Yucatan, Mexico in October 2013. Theoretical-practical activities were developed. In the classroom, we provided information on the generalities of the biology-ecology of the Aedes aegypti vector, about its health importance, and activities for the prevention and control of the vector and the diseases. Teams called “Super hunters” were formed and they were given a kit with materials for the collection and identification of vectors. Lastly, an educational play was performed to reinforce knowledge learned by the participating children.
Results: It was observed that providing information about the vector in a playful way and encouraging the active participation of children can be key to generate behavioral changes in them that allows them to carry out preventive work, replicable in their own houses, contributing to the elimination of vector breeding-sites in their community.