Topic: 2024-Spread of Animal Viruses
Country: Cuba
Delegate Name: Emily Ochieng
WHO
Cuba
Emily Ochieng
Topic: The Spread of Animal Disease
Mosquito-borne viruses have been wreaking havoc in tropical countries in Latin America and Africa. One specific mosquito-borne virus is the Zika Virus. The Zika Virus is one that is especially feared due to it not yet having a vaccine and for the major harms it can cause to an unborn child (such as premature development and brain damage). Cuba especially being in the Caribbean is surrounded by the threat of Zika virus. On disease trackers’ epidemic maps, focusing on the spread of the Zika Virus in the Caribbean, nearly every country there has experienced widespread transmission of the virus. In Cuba, however, it is shown to only have a sporadic spread of the virus.
Cuba, since 1981 (where dengue virus claimed the lives of 158 individuals), has been fighting mosquito-borne viruses with a zeal. One way Cuba stood out from the rest of the countries heavily affected by the Zika virus was their early intervention. Cuba back in 2015 announced a national alert for the Zika virus before any cases were reported. They initiated preventative measures by using invasive and effective vector control (using military forces to spray fumigation, activating clinics to send out mosquito-control workers to hundreds of households to inspect and treat potentially prone areas), the surveillance of high-risk individuals (such as pregnant women), and active communication with its people on preventative measures to slow the spread. Cuba in addition to this, partnered with the U.S. in aid for developing a vaccine and has put forth guidelines for travelers to stay protected.
Cuba will continue its zealous work in slowing the spread of animal diseases. With the continued hard work, current and future generations will be protected from zoonotic viruses. Cuba would appreciate finding an ally in other nations agreeing with the stated.
