Government launches bulk waste collection to slash chikungunya in Paramaribo

Suriname Launches Nationwide Bulky Waste Removal to Combat Chikungunya

Paramaribo, Suriname – January 26, 2026 – Authorities in Suriname have initiated a thorough bulky waste collection program as a key strategy to curtail the escalating number of chikungunya cases reported across several communities. The Public Green and Waste Management Directorate, under the Ministry of Public Works and Spatial planning, began the initiative on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in the Marowijne district, with plans for rapid expansion to other areas including Blauwgrond, Geyersvlijt, and Clevia.

The Rising Threat of Chikungunya

Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral illness, has been increasingly prevalent in Suriname, prompting a coordinated response from multiple government agencies. According to the Pan American Health Association (PAHO), Suriname reported a ample uptick in suspected chikungunya cases in late 2025, mirroring trends observed in other Caribbean and South American nations. PAHO reports that climate change and increased mosquito populations are contributing factors.

A Collaborative Approach to public Health

This large-scale cleanup operation is being executed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor, emphasizing a unified approach to public health. Acting Director of Public Green and Waste Management, Anwar Moenne, and District Commissioner wenny’s Vijfhoven of Paramaribo-Zuid were present at the launch event in Marowijne, signaling the seriousness of the undertaking. Minister André Misiekaba underscored that eliminating mosquito breeding grounds is paramount to effectively controlling the spread of the disease.

The Importance of Community Involvement

Minister Misiekaba directly appealed to citizens, urging them to actively participate in maintaining clean yards and immediate surroundings. He specifically requested residents to discontinue the illegal dumping of waste, both bulky items and household refuse, along streets and public spaces. “The government is making significant investments in this effort, but its success depends on the active support of every member of the community,” stated the Minister.

Understanding Mosquito Breeding Grounds

Mosquitoes require stagnant water to breed. Common sources include discarded tires, plastic containers, clogged gutters, and uncovered water storage containers. Regular removal of these items and proper waste disposal drastically reduces mosquito populations.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even small amounts of water can become breeding grounds.

Key Campaign Details

Area of Focus	Action	Lead Agency
Marowijne, Blauwgrond, Geyersvlijt, Clevia	Bulky Waste Collection	Public Green and Waste Management Directorate
Nationwide	Public Awareness Campaign	Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor
All Neighborhoods	Community Cleanup Initiatives	Local Government & Residents

Authorities have expressed gratitude for the swift response from participating departments and individuals, including colleague Steven Tsang and their dedicated teams. The initiative is framed as a collective effort— “Mek un fiti chikungunya together!” – a call for collective action against the virus.

Do you believe increased public awareness campaigns are effective in disease prevention? And what role do you think individual citizens should play in tackling public health challenges like chikungunya?

Citizens are encouraged to take advantage of the collection campaign and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

How will bulk waste collection help reduce chikungunya cases in Paramaribo?

Government Launches Bulk Waste Collection to Slash Chikungunya in Paramaribo

Paramaribo, Suriname – January 26, 2026 – In a proactive move to combat the rising incidence of chikungunya fever, the Surinamese government has initiated a large-scale bulk waste collection program across Paramaribo. This initiative directly addresses a key breeding ground for Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes – the vectors responsible for transmitting the debilitating viral disease. The program, launched earlier this week, aims to remove accumulated refuse that provides ideal habitats for mosquito larvae.

The Link Between Waste and Chikungunya

Chikungunya, characterized by fever and severe joint pain, has seen a resurgence in Paramaribo over the past year. Public health officials have identified improper waste management as a significant contributing factor. Discarded containers – tires, plastic bottles, buckets, and even seemingly innocuous items like bottle caps – readily collect rainwater, creating perfect breeding sites for mosquitoes.

The Aedes mosquito thrives in urban environments, and its ability to breed in small amounts of stagnant water makes even minor accumulations of waste a serious public health concern. Traditional waste collection services, while present, often struggle to keep pace with the volume of discarded materials, particularly in densely populated areas. This new bulk collection program is designed to tackle the backlog and prevent future build-ups.

Details of the Bulk Waste Collection Program

The program is being rolled out in phases, targeting specific neighborhoods identified as hotspots for chikungunya transmission. Residents are being informed through local media, community meetings, and door-to-door campaigns about scheduled collection dates.

Here’s what residents need to know:

* Designated Collection Zones: The city is divided into zones, with collections occurring on specific days for each zone. A detailed schedule is available on the Ministry of Public Health’s website ([hypothetical website address]).

* Acceptable Materials: The program accepts a wide range of bulky waste, including:

* Old appliances (refrigerators, washing machines, etc.)

* Furniture

* Tires

* Construction debris (small quantities)

* Large plastic items

* Preparation Guidelines: Residents are asked to place items neatly at the curb on the designated collection day. Items should be easily accessible to collection crews.

* Hazardous Waste: Hazardous waste (paint, chemicals, batteries) will not be collected as part of this program and should be disposed of through designated hazardous waste disposal facilities.

Impact on Public Health: Early Results & Projections

Initial reports from the first phase of the program are encouraging. Teams have already removed several tons of waste from targeted areas. While it’s too early to see a dramatic reduction in chikungunya cases,public health experts anticipate a significant impact within the next few months.

“Removing these breeding sites is crucial,” explains dr.Isabella Rodrigues, Head of Vector Control at the Ministry of Public Health. “We’re not just cleaning up the city; we’re actively disrupting the mosquito life cycle and protecting our communities.”

The government is also investing in enhanced vector control measures, including:

1. Larviciding: Applying larvicides to standing water sources that cannot be eliminated.
2. Fogging: Targeted fogging operations in areas with high mosquito populations.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns: Ongoing educational campaigns to promote personal protective measures, such as using mosquito repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants.

Community Involvement: A Key Component

The success of this initiative hinges on community participation. residents are encouraged to:

* Eliminate standing Water: Regularly inspect their properties and eliminate any sources of standing water, even small ones.

* Report Illegal Dumping: Report instances of illegal dumping to the local authorities.

* Participate in Clean-Up Drives: Join community clean-up drives to help remove waste and improve the environment.

Lessons from Regional Experiences

Suriname isn’t alone in facing challenges with mosquito-borne diseases.Experiences from other Caribbean and South American nations have informed the design of this program. For example, the successful “Clean Sweep” campaigns in Barbados, which combined bulk waste removal with public education, demonstrated the effectiveness of a multi-pronged approach. Similarly, Brazil’s focus on community mobilization and source reduction has yielded positive results in controlling Aedes mosquito populations.These regional case studies highlight the importance of sustained effort and community ownership in achieving long-term success.

Protecting Yourself and Your Family

Beyond the government’s efforts, individuals can take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families from chikungunya:

* Use Mosquito Repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 to exposed skin.

* wear Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity hours (dawn and dusk).

* Install Window Screens: Ensure windows and doors have screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

* Empty and Clean Containers: Regularly empty and clean containers that hold water, such as flower pots, birdbaths, and pet bowls.

The government’s bulk waste collection program represents a significant investment in public health and environmental sanitation. By addressing the root causes of mosquito breeding,Suriname is taking a crucial step towards reducing the burden of chikungunya and creating a healthier environment for its citizens.