Chattogram:Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain emphasized the importance of sharing accurate information about dengue and urged the public to avoid spreading misleading claims about the disease.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the mayor highlighted the need for everyone to take responsibility in keeping their areas clean to prevent stagnant water, which is crucial in controlling the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes. He made these remarks as the chief guest at a divisional-level training program on the clinical management of dengue held in Chattogram city.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) organized the event at Hotel Peninsula with support from UNICEF Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Society of Medicine. Mayor Shahadat noted that while the number of dengue infections and deaths has declined this year compared to last year, a thorough assessment requires comparing national and local statistics. He warned that citing infection or death figures without proper context could lead to confusion.
He further stated that the spread of false information can lead to a lack of accountability among those in positions of responsibility. Speakers at the program stressed the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment for dengue patients and called for increased public awareness about maintaining clean surroundings to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
The program was presided over by Professor Dr. Mohammad Jashim Uddin, principal of Chattogram Medical College. Other notable speakers included Brigadier General Mohammad Taslim Uddin, director of Chattogram Medical College Hospital; Prof Dr. Mohammad Monir-uz-Zaman, principal of Sir Salimullah Medical College; Prof Dr. Mohammad Zakaria Al Aziz of Dhaka Medical College; Prof Belayet Hossain Dhali, secretary of the Bangladesh Paediatric Association; and Madhuri Banerjee, chief of the UNICEF Bangladesh Field Office.