A mass cleaning campaign aimed at bringing to a halt a dengue outbreak in the Cook Islands, has gone up another level.
Operation Namu21 includes a mass clean up Photo: Te Marae Ora
Last week 'Operation Namu21' was activated in Rarotonga, with people collecting rubbish lying on the beach or side of the road, in an attempt to reduce mosquito breeding and resting sites.
Representatives from all ministries were involved - including the Ministry of Health Te Marae Ora, Office of the Public Service Commissioner, Infrastructure Cook Islands, Ministry of Agriculture, National Environment Service, Ministry of Finance & Economic Management, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Education, and the Cook Islands Police Service.
'Operation Namu21' was being overseen by Health National Command & Coordination team leader Dr Tereapii Uka.
Uka is responsible for monitoring the operation and maintaining a logistical record of the activities involved.
He will also provide daily updates to the Secretary of Health Bob Williams on the operation's progress.
Operation Namu21 activities will ramp up today, beginning with a two-week long mass spraying campaign from Tupapa to Matavera.