Mosquito-borne disease prevention program launched in multiple languages

Mar 2, 2023

**All smiles:** Greater Shepparton Foundation Executive Officer Amanda McCulloch, Mooroopna Children and Family Centre Best Start Coordinator Belinda Whitelaw and Service Leader Terrianne Miller show Annabel how to apply vital mosquito repellent.

Children attending kindergarten in Greater Shepparton will have access to insect repellent, and in-language information to ensure more families are informed about and safe from mosquito-borne diseases.

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Greater Shepparton Foundation (GSF) has partnered with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, Wise Well Women and Greater Shepparton City Council to overcome barriers that might prevent families from protecting themselves against mosquito-borne disease.

GSF Executive Officer Amanda McCulloch said there had been an increase in mosquito activity in the city since last year’s floods and the program aimed to ensure all families understood the long-term impacts of mosquito-borne diseases.

“Those from our culturally and linguistically-diverse communities, who face language and cultural barriers, may not have previously had access to this prevention and information like their English-speaking counterparts, so it is important this education extends to those cohorts in our community to keep them safe,” Ms McCulloch said.

“We understand that if we can overcome known barriers and provide an effective repellent, access to the best and most current information, and provide information in-language, then with the support of community leaders, families are equipped to make the best decisions.”

Mosquito-borne diseases spread by mosquitoes include Ross River virus, Barmah Forest Virus, Murray Valley Encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis virus.

To view in-language information and videos visit https://www.greatershepparton.foundation/mosquito-borne-disease-prevention

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