The implementation and reception of policies for preventing dengue fever epidemics: a comparative study of Martinique and French Guyana

Abstract

In this article, we use an analytical framework based on the sociology of risk to provide a qualitative analysis of the implementation and reception of public risk-prevention policies for dengue epidemics in Martinique and French Guyana. The data are derived from 116 semi-structured interviews and direct observation conducted in 2012 and 2013. The two overseas departments studied provide an opportunity to draw on the social theory of risk and uncertainty in multicultural contexts. Our analysis highlights that the rise of several technical, economic, legal and entomological constraints has recently led to a public policy shift from biological and chemical mosquito control to awareness-raising campaigns focused on domestic spaces. This change involves a shift in responsibility from public authorities to the private sphere. However, there is strong demand from the local population for mosquito control and the involvement of public authorities. This reciprocal passing of responsibility is exacerbated by the colonial past and heritage of slavery in these multiethnic overseas territories located over 7000 km from the seat of the French government.