Insights Report: Using human-centered design to identify improved behavioral and structural solutions for Zika Prevention (45/55 gallon water drums)

Forty-five and fifty-five gallon drums are one of the primary breeding sites for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Jamaica. While the Ministry of Health (MOH) Vector Control Unit has identified water drums as one of the two most proliferous sources of mosquitoes on the island, there is a strong need to understand the full extent of the environmental, structural and behavioral challenges related to water storage, including but not limited to water drums, and the resultant Aedes aegypti breeding sites. Guided by Breakthrough ACTION’s Social Behavior Change Flow Chart and using the Human Centered Design approach, a research team prepared and conducted exploratory research with water storage users, community health workers, manufacturers, community leaders, and national health and public service officials. Across these key groups, the purpose of the research was to understand perspectives related to Zika, mosquito breeding, water storage and general health concerns.