News - University of Arkansas
Today (20 August) is World Mosquito Day – Watch Story Map, Created by U.S. Embassy in France, Highlighting Collaborative Efforts
Today, 20 August, is World Mosquito Day, an opportunity to recognize the serious threat that mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, dengue fever, and yellow fever pose to global health.
To mark this occasion, the U.S. Embassy in France created a “Story Map” highlighting the growing threat of vector-borne and other infectious diseases. This visual story is meant to be informative, and also highlights the positive steps French and American officials have taken to work together on this important issue.
As the Story Map states, “Through international cooperation, we can work together to advance global health security and prepare for infectious disease outbreaks. These preparations can prevent or mitigate the impact. The United States actively works to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, Ebola, Zika, and influenza. Outbreaks of infectious disease do not respect national boundaries. Halting and treating diseases at their points of origin is one of the best and most economical ways of saving lives and protecting citizens.”
The Story Map also highlights the fact that “citizen science” (science carried out when the public collects and analyzes data) is an important tool in combating vector-borne diseases. “NASA’s Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program allows citizens to use the GLOBE Observer app to track and eliminate mosquito habitats.”
“The State Department works through the GLOBE program to encourage students and private citizens throughout the world to map mosquitoes’ location and habitat. Understanding where and what types of mosquitoes are present can help communities take measures to protect themselves against diseases.”
“Researchers, citizen scientists, and students contribute to our understanding of infectious diseases and how they spread. The U.S. Embassy in France and Department of State look forward to continued work with France, international partners, and global citizens to fight vector-borne diseases.”
To watch the Story Map, click here.
To learn more about the GLOBE Observer app, click here.
type: globe-newsNews origin: GLOBE Implementation Office