5.2.2.7. Public Health

Environmental Health / Vector Control Officer (EHO):

• Assessment of environmental health risks and outbreaks / acute public health emergencies through sanitary inspections including those related to vector control, food safety, natural and other disasters, water quality, air quality and mold.
• Investigation and control of disease outbreak related to vectors, lack of food safety, disasters, poor water quality, poor air quality and mold.
• Investigation of complaints that are potential health risks.
• Form part of the Regional Outbreak team, responsible for case/outbreak investigations. Officers from Vector Unit, Food Unit, and Port Health will be coopted as necessary based on the identified threat.
• Officers will assist with contact tracing, quarantine, follow up, isolation and early detection of secondary cases, IPC measures at home or other settings, preventive public health measures with contacts and community.
• Environmental sampling (food, water and wastewater, vector, air quality, mold).
• Applying enforcement and control of potential APHE.
• Developing IEC in community and intersectoral activities.
• Integrated vector management including surveillance.
• Water monitoring which relates to the following roles and responsibilities:
  • Vector Identification and Surveillance: They identify and monitor the presence, abundance, and distribution of disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, or sandflies. This involves conducting regular field surveys, setting up traps, and collecting samples for analysis.
  • Data Collection and Analysis: Collecting relevant data on vector populations, breeding sites, and disease incidence. They also maintain databases, develop data collection tools, and perform data analysis to identify trends and patterns. Data will be shared with the EpiU on a monthly basis.
  • Disease Outbreak Investigations: Whenever there is an outbreak or a suspected outbreak of a vector-borne disease, they conduct investigations to determine the source, identify potential breeding sites, and assess transmission patterns. They also collaborate with public health officials and medical professionals to collect patient data for further analysis.
  • Interventions and Control Measures: Based on the surveillance data, Vector Control Officers develop and implement effective control strategies to reduce the transmission of vector-borne diseases. This involves planning and executing mosquito control activities, such as larval source reduction, insecticide spraying, and biological control methods like introducing predator species.
  • Public Education and Awareness: They play a key role in public education and awareness campaigns. Vector Control Officers provide information on disease prevention measures, demonstrate proper use of personal protective measures, and educate communities on the importance of eliminating breeding sites in and around their homes.
  • Collaboration and Coordination: Vector Control Officers collaborate with other public health officials, entomologists, healthcare providers, community organizations and Epi-Unit to ensure a coordinated response to vector-borne diseases. This includes sharing surveillance data, participating in training programs, and contributing to integrated vector management strategies.
  • Capacity Building: They also contribute to capacity building efforts within the organization or community by training and educating other staff members, providing guidance on vector control techniques, and disseminating best practices for surveillance and control.
  • Research and Innovation: Some Vector Control Officers engage in research activities to help improve the understanding of vector biology, disease transmission dynamics, and control measures. They may conduct experiments, develop new interventions, or test the effectiveness of novel vector control methods.