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Utilizing perceptions of public health officials in Cali, Colombia to support the surveillance of co-circulating vector-borne diseases

Author

Listed:
  • Desjardins, M.R.
  • Casas, I.
  • Victoria-Castro, A.M.
  • Hammelman, C.
  • Dávalos, D.M.
  • Varela, A.
  • Delmelle, E.M.

Abstract

This study examines the perspectives of high-ranking public health officials in Cali, Colombia, a major hotspot for dengue (DENF), chikungunya (CHIK), and Zika. Nine officials participated in semi-structured interviews (June & July 2019) focused on vector-borne disease management, intervention strategies, and perceptions of spatial risk. Participatory mapping was conducted to identify neighborhoods considered high risk, and these perceptions were quantitatively compared with observed epidemiological data, including DENF cases from 2015 to 2019, CHIK cases from 2015 to 2016, and Zika cases from 2016. The analysis revealed a disconnect between officials’ perceptions and the actual geographic distribution of cases. Key themes identified by participants emphasized the importance of ongoing educational campaigns, community engagement in vector control, and targeting storm sewers as larval breeding sites. Additionally, human mobility, socioeconomic disparities, and political cycles emerged as major challenges to effective vector-borne disease control efforts. Although participatory mapping provided valuable local insights, quantitative analysis demonstrated that perceived high-risk areas did not consistently align with observed high-risk areas in Cali. These findings highlight the need for integrated approaches that unite expert knowledge, community perspectives, and robust epidemiological surveillance to improve vector-borne disease detection and response in urban settings like Cali, Colombia.

Suggested Citation

  • Desjardins, M.R. & Casas, I. & Victoria-Castro, A.M. & Hammelman, C. & Dávalos, D.M. & Varela, A. & Delmelle, E.M., 2026. "Utilizing perceptions of public health officials in Cali, Colombia to support the surveillance of co-circulating vector-borne diseases," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 391(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:391:y:2026:i:c:s0277953625012213
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118890
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    References listed on IDEAS

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