THE World Mosquito Program is expected to end its wolbachia release program in Lautoka and Nadi next month.
Yesterday, organisers of the 20-week release program held a public awareness initiative in Lautoka to educate the public on the progress of the project.
Program co-ordinator Aminiasi Tavui said the release of the “good mosquitoes” was welcomed by the public.
“So far we’ve had very positive feedbacks from the communities that we’ve engaged,” Mr Tavui said.
“We are continuing to increase the population of the wolbachia (carrying) mosquito in Lautoka and Nadi. These communities were identified by the Ministry of Health as hotspot areas, meaning there were places that had a high rise in dengue cases.
“For the time being, we are still at phase two of the program whereby we are releasing the mosquitoes and monitoring how they are able to increase their numbers and also sustain.
“By the end of phase two, we want to be able to reach a high number of the wolbachia numbers and ensure that level does not decrease.”
He explained that Lautoka and Nadi were the main focus for the second phase.
“There was also discussions on carrying out phase two in Tavua but all of that depends on funding. We have been so fortunate that the New Zealand AID has been providing the funding for this project. For other areas, it will depend on our sponsors.”
He said the wolbachia release ends next month.
