In response to the increase in dengue cases in the region of Serra, a municipality in Espírito Santo, Brazil, the local Adventist School implemented an innovative project that includes the production of a homemade repellent, awareness activities, and free distribution of the product in the community. The project aims to combat the spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, also known as the yellow fever mosquito, and educate students and residents about prevention measures against the disease.

On April 25, 2024, students took to the streets armed with posters and awareness messages, handing out the homemade repellent they produced.

"The need arose when we noticed a significant increase in dengue cases here and in nearby neighborhoods. We observed a large number of consultations in Emergency Care Units and health centers due to the disease", explained Mara Sandra, the project's pedagogical coordinator. According to her, the initiative began with an awareness week linked to various disciplines, in which students learned about the dangers and ways to prevent dengue. "Teachers and students were involved in creating posters and other educational materials to spread knowledge about the disease," she added.

After the awareness phase, students from Elementary I and II, from first to ninth grades, developed a homemade repellent. "Many families cannot afford to buy industrial repellents, so we created a homemade solution that proved to be really effective," highlighted the coordinator. The product was distributed free of charge, with instructions on how to reproduce it in a practical and economical way.

Students actively participated in the initiative. Guilherme Amado Storck, a 9th-grade student, reported his experience: "Our action of handing out repellents was really cool. In addition to socializing with friends, we were able to help people. Everyone was very happy, and that also made us happy. That's for sure. I would do it all again."

Isabely do Nascimento Miler, another student involved, shared her impressions: "The experience was really fun. In addition to helping, I managed to develop my social skills. Handing out repellent to people on the streets, greeting them, and wishing them a good day was enriching. We learned about the seriousness of dengue, which has claimed many victims, and this reinforced the importance of our work", he concludes.

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese website.