Community participation in Aedes aegypti control: a sociological perspective on five years of research in the health area ‘‘26 de Julio’’, Havana, Cuba

Abstract

Summaryobjective: Effective dengue prevention and Aedes aegypti control is a priority for the Cuban health authorities. To enhance effectiveness, strategies oriented towards a more active involvement of communities in control activities are being tested. This paper presents a sociological perspective on a pilot project conducted in the health area ''26 de Julio'' (La Havana) in 1999-2004.methods: Instrumental case study based on an exhaustive content analysis of project documents and on observations of a sociologist.results: The context and the pilot project are systematically described and an analysis of the evolution of the underlying concept of community participation is provided. The pilot experience was a dynamic process influenced by self-reflection of the research team, feedback from research partners and changes in the epidemiological context (provoked by two dengue outbreaks during the study period). Community participation evolved from being just one component in Aedes aegypti control directed by the health staff into a learning and empowering process for the people. This change in the concept of participation was reflected in different aspects of the pilot project such as the learning and evaluation processes.conclusion: Empirical evidence from 5 years of research in the particular context of Cuba showed that moves towards community-based Aedes aegypti control are feasible. However, in order to be successful, community-based dengue prevention should be a social learning process, implying a transfer of power and responsibilities to local people. Actions undertaken must be oriented towards creating local capabilities, strengthening existing structures and organizations and promoting group work for learning participation from participation itself.

Integrating the Public in Mosquito Management: Active Education by Community Peers Can Lead to Significant Reduction in Peridomestic Container Mosquito Habitats

“…Numerous studies have shown the value of community participation in source reduction of container mosquitoes [10], [31], [32], [33]. Community-based programs targeting species, such as Aedes aegypti , have not only been effective in reducing container habitats, but also in reducing house, container, and Breteau indices [7], [31], [32].…”

“…Although source reduction alone cannot effectively control container mosquitoes [2], these programs can be essential to help reduce potential habitats and sustain source reduction efforts within a community. Although programs that focus on behavior changes through public messages are often short term [34], future community based programs must promote the public to be self-sufficient [33]. Therefore, every effort should be made to involve the community when developing source reduction campaigns [10], [33].…”

Effect of dengue vector control interventions on entomological parameters in developing countries: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…In addition, the effects of integrated vector management strategies are likely to be more sustainable as interventions are usually community-based, rather than implemented by specialized teams in a vertical manner. Community-based interventions tend to be sustainable as they aim to change behaviour and induce social mobilization ( Pérez et al , 2007;Toledo Romani et al , 2007 ).…”

Intervención comunitaria en el dengue como una necesidad social

“…Este proceso requiere de una propuesta lo suficiente flexible y adaptable y de una metodología que facilite la expresión de la diversidad local. 19 Marta Castro y otros proponen una descripción de la estrategia comunitaria para la prevención del dengue. 20 Los componentes de esta estrategia se definen de manera independiente pero en la práctica se desarrollan de manera cíclica e interactiva y pueden ocurrir simultáneamente, ellos son:…”