Dhaka: Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan today announced that the government is giving the highest priority to preventing the spread of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. He made this statement during an emergency meeting of the National Taskforce Committee at the Local Government Division's meeting room at the Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Moyeen Khan emphasized efforts to destroy mosquito breeding grounds and enhance research and technical capabilities to improve the effectiveness of mosquito-control medicines. The meeting was presided over by State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, who echoed the minister's sentiments.
Moyeen Khan highlighted the challenges faced in controlling mosquitoes in large and densely populated areas such as Dhaka North and South City Corporations and Gazipur. Despite limited resources, these areas are reportedly making concerted efforts to tackle the issue. The minister underscored the importance of identifying mosquito breeding sites and preventing water accumulation to curb their proliferation.
He further mentioned ongoing research and reviews on mosquito-control medicines' effectiveness, conducted with the cooperation of Japan and other developed nations. Experts from various universities are also contributing to these efforts. Enhancing technical capabilities and raising public awareness were identified as critical measures to contain the spread of dengue.
State Minister Mir Shahe Alam reported a significant reduction in dengue cases this year, with cases nearly halved compared to last year. He outlined ongoing cleanliness drives, spraying, and awareness-raising activities in various city corporations as part of mosquito control efforts.
According to the state minister's information, around 90 individuals have died while undergoing treatment for dengue from January until yesterday. Alam urged the public to routinely clean discarded tyres, plastic containers, and other potential water accumulation sites in and around their homes to aid in dengue prevention.
The meeting was attended by secretaries from the Local Government and Health Divisions, the administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation, and relevant officials from Dhaka North and South City Corporations. Chief health officers from 13 city corporations and other pertinent officials were also present, with representatives from 11 city corporations outside Dhaka participating virtually.