received from the work group indicate that the number of chikungunya infections is dropping. “Although there are still positive

cases, it seems that the infections are decreasing. That is very good news”, said minister Misiekaba. The number of chikungunya cases is currently higher than 2,700. Although health officials have noticed a decline in the number of infections, the Health Ministry is keeping a close eye on the situation. The minister explained that the joint effort is finally starting to bear fruit. He thanked the people who cooperated when they were asked to clean up their surroundings in order to remove potential breeding grounds of mosquitoes that spread the chikungunya virus. “That is the key to the success in the fight against chikungunya. Things did not go well everywhere but many people accepted the responsibility”, said minister Misiekaba who added that hospitals, district commissioners and other agencies made a significant contribution in the efforts to contain the outbreak. Surinamese officials expect to receive a shipment of chemicals that could be used in the fight against chikungunya. The shipment is expected to arrive from neighboring Brazil via the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on April 6th. The insecticides that will be purchased via a special fund from the PAHO are expected to arrive in mid-April. Minister Misiekaba acknowledged that “it was not easy to

get these tools” but assured that “from now on the Health Ministry will place its orders on time so that action can be taken swiftly in case of another outbreak”. For now, officials will focus on prevention, clearing breeding grounds and spraying insecticides.