June 20, 2025 (Honolulu, HI) – With the 2025 Pacific Mini Games set to take place from June 29 to July 9, Palau is taking strong, proactive measures to protect the health of its athletes, residents, and visitors. In light of a regional rise in dengue cases, the Ministry of Health & Human Services Division of Environmental Health, has partnered with the PIHOA vector team to bolster dengue prevention and response efforts in advance of the Games.
PIHOA’s Vector Management Team, including Dr. Limb Hapairai, Dr. Tomás León, Rosanna Yoon Rabago, and Jacquelyn Lefagoyal, is currently deployed in Palau to provide technical support in the following areas:
Safe application of pesticides at all venues and facilities associated with the Pacific Mini Games
Enhancement of Palau’s dengue Early Warning System, including data collection and dashboard updates
Community outreach and education on mosquito bite prevention, source reduction, and other vector control strategies
Review and strengthening of national dengue preparedness and response plans
These coordinated efforts are essential to ensuring a successful and safe sporting event, as well as supporting long-term public health resilience in Palau.
Together, we are working toward a dengue-free Pacific Mini Games.
