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Harnessing Papaya Power to Combat Dengue

image of Dr. David Picking

A natural, dual-action defence against mosquito-borne disease

Why it MattersJamaica saw over 1,500 dengue cases in 2023. Traditional vector control is costly and chemical-heavy.

Dr. David Picking and Dr. Sheena Francis are optimizing young papaya leaf cultivation to:

  • Create an organic extract for hemorrhagic dengue treatment
  • Develop eco-friendly larvicides for mosquito control

Combining regenerative farming with science, this research targets certification for an organic, nature-based solution.

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