Dhaka: Public health experts have said public involvement and coordinated initiatives are essential to check dengue, an Aedes mosquito-borne disease. They emphasized that it is never possible for the government alone to prevent dengue without increasing public awareness. Public-private monitoring, management, and awareness among commoners can play a vital role in controlling dengue, they said. The experts stressed that civil society, media, and the general public must work together to address dengue and urged the implementation of the right plans to prevent outbreaks.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, public health expert Dr. Mushtaq Hossain emphasized that all relevant institutions must collaborate to prevent dengue outbreaks. “Community involvement is very important in preventing dengue. Without public involvement and coordinated initiatives, it is almost impossible to combat Aedes mosquito-borne dengue,” he stated. Dr. Mushtaq highlighted the importance of setting up testing booths in various locations in Dhaka and other cities to quickly identify dengue cases. He advised patients to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear and urged city corporations to recruit sufficient volunteers to manage the situation effectively.
Kabirul Bashar, a zoology professor at Jahangirnagar University, pointed out that Aedes mosquitoes are typically found in residential areas. “The breeding grounds of Aedes mosquitoes are located inside and outside the houses. Its management method is different from other species of mosquitoes,” he explained. Prof. Bashar emphasized the importance of understanding the breeding nature and life cycle of Aedes mosquitoes to implement effective measures against dengue outbreaks. He also mentioned plans to launch a year-round monitoring system to eliminate potential breeding grounds. “We need to appoint health workers who will be responsible for monitoring a specific number of houses in specific areas of Dhaka city throughout the year,” he added.
According to the data of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 24,848 people have been admitted to the hospital due to dengue till August 17 this year. Of them, 23,024 have recovered and returned home. A total of 71 people have died of dengue this year, with 60.6 percent of the deceased being women and 39.4 percent men. Among the deceased, 33 were in Dhaka division, six in Mymensingh division, five in Chattogram division, 16 in Khulna division, one each in Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions, eight in Barishal division, and one in Sylhet division.