Overview: A Community-Wide Effort in Cocachacra
A focused school-based campaign is reinforcing dengue prevention in Cocachacra, driven by the Arequipa Regional Health Management with the support of the Red de Salud Islay. The initiative brings together students from multiple educational institutions to learn how to identify and eliminate the mosquito breeding sites that fuel dengue transmission. By turning classrooms into hubs of practical prevention, health officials aim to embed a culture of vector control in everyday life beyond the school gates.
As part of the effort, health professionals stressed that lasting change comes from empowering young people to act as multipliers within their families and neighborhoods. This emphasis on practical, shareable knowledge underpins the campaign’s approach to convert awareness into concrete action at home and in the community.
In-School Activities: Learning Through Play and Dialogue
The sessions were conducted at three educational centers: I.E. San Martín de Porres, I.E. Cristo Rey, and I.E. Estrella de Belén. Through a mix of talks, interactive games, and dynamic group activities, students learned to spot common breeding sites for Aedes aegypti, the mosquito responsible for dengue. The activities were designed to be engaging and memorable, ensuring that the information sticks even after the instructors leave the room.
Participants explored practical steps to reduce mosquito habitat: removing standing water, covering containers, cleaning gutters, and properly disposing of waste that can collect rainwater. By turning prevention into a daily habit rather than a one-off lesson, the program aims to sustain long-term risk reduction in the community.
Students as Agents of Change
Central to the campaign is the idea that students can be powerful catalysts for health improvement. Teachers and health staff described the students as future leaders who will advocate for safe environments in their homes and streets. “We want students to become multiplier agents within their homes and communities,” explained a spokesperson from the Red de Salud Islay, highlighting the role of youth as ambassadors for dengue prevention.
Graduates of the program are expected to carry their knowledge into extracurricular activities, neighborhood meetings, and local clubs, multiplying the reach of vector control practices. The emphasis on peer-led learning helps overcome barriers to behavior change by making prevention relatable and actionable for families with limited access to health information.
Strategic Goals and Public Health Impact
This school-centered initiative is part of a broader Health Promotion Strategy that seeks to reduce health risks across Cocachacra. By integrating dengue prevention into the education system, health authorities aim to elevate awareness about vector control, encourage community participation in surveillance, and promote sustainable behaviors that lower the risk of dengue outbreaks. The program also fosters collaboration among schools, health services, and community organizations, creating a network of informed residents who can identify and respond to potential threats more quickly.
Early outcomes look promising: students are engaged, teachers report greater attention to environmental cleanliness, and families are starting to adopt simple but effective practices at home. As the school year progresses, organizers plan to monitor the adoption of prevention measures and document improvements in neighborhood environments, providing a model that could be replicated in other districts facing similar dengue risks.
What Comes Next: Looking Ahead
With dengue prevention firmly rooted in school activities, Cocachacra is building a legacy of health literacy that extends beyond classrooms. The initiative envisions ongoing training for teachers and health workers, expanded participation from more schools, and stronger community-driven efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. By nurturing informed young people who carry the message to their households, the program aims to sustain safer, healthier communities across Arequipa and beyond.
