By Dr. Hazel Williams-Roberts and Gardenia Destang-Richardson
'Ready to welcome the World' is a theme that has been echoed for the last two years in St. Kitts as we prepare for the first time to host the International Cricket Council World Cup Tournament. This is the first time that the Caribbean Region as a whole has jointly hosted such a major sporting event. Countries throughout the Caribbean, from Jamaica to Guyana will be hosting games and ceremonies, as well as welcoming those who love the complicated and intense game of cricket from all over the world. In anticipation of this grand event intense preparation has been taking place to ensure that all the necessary actions are executed.
Most of the nine islands now boast of state-of-the-art sporting facilities to host this auspicious event. All hands are on board. Immigration measures have been implemented such as the Single Domestic Space 'wristband' for those traveling island to island to follow the games, to enhanced security screening and staffing at the airports. Everywhere in every country, significant resources and preparations from the painting of walls, fixing of roads, food handler preparations, volunteer vaccinations and housing codes are taking effect.
Positive Impacts
While those in the plenary stages are working strenuously to ensure the smooth coordination and actuality of the games, the public awaits with bated anticipation and excitement to be a part of this great opportunity. Caribbean nationals are brimming with pride that their region is hosting the 3rd largest sporting even in the world. They too are making plans for this and putting things in place. School system schedules have been altered; many are planning vacations around the festivities and organizing themselves for other opportunities besides the games for money making ventures.
It is anticipated that this event will bring in great revenue for the countries and that it will bring attention and highlight the Caribbean as a whole, and put many of us on the global map as millions around the world will tune in to watch not only the games, but how we coordinate and make big events happen.
Social Implications
However, while all this is true it should be brought to the attention of the public that in welcoming the world to what is a fantastic event, there is the potential to welcome in many other unwanted visitors in the form of diseases and unwelcoming behaviours. The impact of such mass social gathering should be considered and readily prepared for.
Mass social gatherings such as international sports events and festivals bring together large numbers of persons from geographically widespread regions into activity venues and lodging facilities. The differential exposures and susceptibilities of individuals, give rise to the potential for the transmission of diseases during these events.
Disease transmission during these events may occur by several modes including person to person (e.g. sexually transmitted diseases), common source (e.g. foodbourne illnesses) and airborne (e.g. respiratory pathogens) spread.
Additionally, morbidity from non-intentional injuries (e.g. traffic accidents) may be increased as a result of consumption of large quantities of alcoholic beverages. The increased number of visitors may provide a stimulus for individuals with antisocial tendencies to ignore the country laws and policies and commit crimes such as robbery and assault, and exhibit general disorderly conduct.
Like any other festive occasion inhibitions are low and people engage in activities that they may not consider under normal circumstances. The blanket of anonymity which comes from being a part of large crowds and groups of people visiting from all over the world provides a false sense of security where persons engage in activities such as commercial and casual sex, violent and defiant activities (riotous behavior in the streets, bars, hotels, etc.), and we as a region should be aware of the potential for these, and plan accordingly as a part of our preparations.
Measures Being Taken
Careful planning and intensive preparation have occurred to ensure that governmental agencies are able to respond to these major challenges. Keen attention has been placed on augmenting security and public health surveillance (prompt recognition, reporting and intervention) as contingency measures to mitigate the impact of disease outbreaks.
Education of the general public about risky behaviors is a key strategy in the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases. Hygienic practices such as hand washing prior to food preparation and before eating as well as after going to the bathroom or handling livestock can prevent many foodbourne illnesses and need to be re-emphasized as a part of training to hotel and restaurant staff who are working the long and busy hours attending to the influx of travelers. Covering ones mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing is another measure that mitigates against the spread of respiratory pathogens. Avoidance of consumption of alcoholic beverages when operating vehicles is likely to decrease the potential for traffic accidents. One measure that some of the countries are doing is the distribution of Public Health informational pamphlets at Immigration Desks to travelers upon entry to also remind them of their responsibilities to the public in the countries they are visiting.
Persons are reminded to use all the tools in their knowledge of health promotion and awareness in reducing their risk from contracting and/or transmitting disease. These safer practices may include: abstinence from sexual activity, correct and consistent condom use and fidelity to an uninfected partner to ensure that they remain free of sexually transmitted infections. It includes proper hygienic practices, not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and especially understanding and obeying the laws and policies of the country which is being visited. It is only through the collective efforts of society that safety and security can be ensured during mass events.
In welcoming the world, let us be mindful of the potential public health hazards and social impacts and be ready to exercise the necessary precautions and strategies to keep us and the country safe and healthy long after the Cricket World Cup Season.
