The Editor, Sir:

I am really worried and concerned about the manner in which the malaria outbreak is being dealt with. It was brought to my attention that two new cases have been identified in St. Elizabeth, and a massive clean-up of the south coast has been ordered by Minister Dalley.

As Jamaicans, we should be pro-active. We do not need to wait until the malaria spreads to our immediate vicinity before we commence cleaning. Neither do we have to wait for the Government to supply money. This is not a governmental issue, but an individual one. If each community member volunteers and decides to clean their vicinity to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes, the Government can provide the fogging and other necessary treatment.

Minister Dalley, I am aware that the task is not easy. You have been trying, but please, try harder. Fellow Jamaicans, please assist in making his job easier. It can affect all of us - take the necessary precautions.

However, I am somewhat worried about the Cricket World Cup and its link to the contraction of diseases. My concern is not only the financial losses to the country, but Jamaica's ability to deal with any other diseases that might enter the country. If we cannot control malaria, how are we going to deal with other diseases that might enter the country (God forbid), through individuals who visit from all over the world, to attend the World Cup? What strategies will be in place? How will we finance this? These questions are not just food for thought, but an indication of the actions that need to be taken.

I am, etc.,

ANDREA CHISHOLM

andrea_chisholm2@yahoo.com

Mandeville

Via Go-Jamaica