Interactive actions in combating dengue and chikungunya in Divinópolis/MG, Brazil

Abstract

Considering the high rate of dengue fever and the recent emergence of diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti, the Extension Project “Interactive actions of combating dengue and chikungunya in Divinópolis/MG/Brazil” linked to PROEX – Pró-Reitoria de Extensão of UFSJ – Câmpus Centro Oeste Dona Lindu aimed to carry out health education activities in order to raise children’s awareness between 6 and 10 years of age. Thirty events in ten primary schools were promoted and each event included a lecture, a video presentation, a drawing activity and the delivery of informative pamphlets about the diseases. The results obtained were evaluated through the effective participation of the children, the questions asked by them and the drawings and phrases coherent with the theme presented. It is believed that this work has adopted an efficient approach and collaborated in training and raising awareness of the target audience, children, and indirectly to a part of society related to these children, such as friends and family.