313 - Maximizing Community Engagement and Disease Prevention Through Social Media

Abstract: The Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit (PRVCU), a program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, has effectively utilized social media to enhance community engagement and promote mosquito-borne disease prevention. By leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, PRVCU has implemented a data-driven content strategy to expand its reach and impact. On Facebook, PRVCU garnered 234,402 impressions with a 5.8% engagement rate, marking a 34.5% increase in interactions. This platform has played a key role in disseminating educational content and event updates while fostering community dialogue. Instagram, a visually focused platform, enabled PRVCU to showcase field activities and partnerships, achieving 154,952 impressions and a 32% audience growth. With an organic engagement rate of 3.3%, short videos and reels using relevant tags boosted visibility and engagement. On X, PRVCU effectively handled real-time communication, achieving 15,349 impressions with a 3.6% engagement rate, allowing for quick responses to public concerns during peak mosquito transmission periods. YouTube has served as a valuable tool for providing in-depth tutorials and expert interviews, expanding community knowledge of mosquito control strategies. Through its strategic use of social media, PRVCU has built an informed and resilient community in Puerto Rico, fostering a culture of prevention and collective action against mosquito-borne diseases.