Educating for Change: Tackling Mosquito Breeding in Kanchrapara

During my visits to Kanchrapara, it became clear that one of the major contributors to the mosquito problem was the widespread practice of disposing of trash and waste into the open drains. These actions, although seemingly harmless to many residents, created the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes (stagnant water fills inside the litter), exacerbating the prevalence of diseases like malaria and dengue.

I quickly realized that addressing this issue required more than just cleaning the drains—it required changing behaviors and educating the community about the impact of their actions. With this goal in mind, I embarked on a door-to-door campaign to spread awareness. I shared how the stagnant, dirty water served as an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and how this directly affected their health and the health of their families. I explained how diseases like malaria and dengue were directly linked to mosquito breeding and showed simple steps they could take to mitigate the problem. Proper waste disposal, covering open drains, and ensuring there was no stagnant water around their homes were some of the key actions I emphasized for them to take. Many of them did not have access to materials to help clean the surrounding area or their homes clean such as using mosquito coils and ultra liquid vaporizers, so I knew that was the next step for me to tackle.