The Quindío Department of Health recently concluded a training program for personnel from the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Quindío (CRQ), focusing on strengthening preventative measures against vector-borne diseases. This initiative, led by the Public Health Directorate through the Vector-Borne Diseases (ETV) Program, underscores a growing concern about public health risks posed by illnesses like dengue and yellow fever, both transmitted by mosquitoes.
The training aimed to equip CRQ staff and contractors with the knowledge and skills needed to promote health and manage risks associated with these diseases. Participants covered topics including promotion, prevention, and identification of risk factors, as well as control and epidemiological surveillance of diseases such as yellow fever, dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and Chagas disease – all considered significant public health concerns within the department. The increasing prevalence of vector-borne illnesses globally, with mosquitoes being a primary vector, necessitates proactive measures like this training to protect vulnerable populations.
Catalina Calle Arias, a talent-management specialist at CRQ, emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “In these processes, with the support of the Government of Quindío through the Department of Health, we wanted to create a space to provide general information about the biological risks in our daily lives, particularly in our field activities, tours, and sample collection.” This highlights the practical application of the training, extending beyond theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios faced by CRQ personnel.
A key component of the training focused on reinforcing preventative measures in light of the current epidemiological situation. Calle Arias added, “We aim for to join in this prevention, in these preventative measures, not only through vaccination, inviting all our collaborators to do so, but also in terms of disseminating all preventative measures, both in our work activity and in our personal environment.” This call to action extends the responsibility for disease prevention beyond the workplace, encouraging a community-wide approach.
The training comes as global health organizations continue to monitor and address the spread of vector-borne diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, causing over 700,000 deaths annually. The WHO details the significant impact of diseases like malaria and dengue, emphasizing the need for preventative strategies.
The CRQ’s proactive approach aligns with broader efforts in Ecuador to map and manage vector-borne diseases. A 2025 report from Ecuador’s Ministry of Public Health highlights the influence of vector distribution and density on the spread of arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, as well as parasitic diseases spread by Anopheles mosquitoes, phlebotomines, and kissing bugs.
The training program’s focus on identifying risk factors and implementing control measures is crucial in mitigating the impact of these diseases. Nathaly Camargo Marulanda, a Biologist and Environmental Educator with the ETV program, provided further insights during the training (audio available here).
The Quindío Department of Health will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation and provide updates to the public. The next scheduled report on vector-borne disease trends in the region is expected in April 2026. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about preventative measures and consult with healthcare professionals if they experience symptoms of these diseases.
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