Dhaka:A recent survey by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has revealed that nearly half of the Aedes mosquito larvae are found breeding near residential buildings, a significant concern for dengue prevention efforts.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the DSCC Administrator and valiant freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam has called upon residents to share equal responsibility with the city corporation in combating dengue. This appeal was made during a scientific seminar titled 'Current Trends of Dengue in Bangladesh Innovative Prevention and Mosquito Control Strategies to Address Public Health Challenges' held at the DSCC Nagar Bhaban auditorium.
The event, organized jointly by the DSCC and the Zoological Society of Bangladesh, highlighted findings from comparative surveys conducted in March and October. These surveys showed improvements in several high-risk wards due to special mosquito-control programs. Despite these efforts, the presence of mosquito larvae near residential areas remains a significant issue.
In his address, the Administrator emphasized that awareness campaigns, including loudspeaker announcements, leaflet distribution, and mosque-based initiatives, are essential but not sufficient alone to prevent dengue. He urged citizens to prevent water accumulation on rooftops, courtyards, construction sites, and around air-conditioner outlets, stressing the shared responsibility between the city corporation and residents in controlling the disease.
Speakers at the seminar encouraged cleaning homes and surrounding areas every Saturday and maintaining vigilance against stagnant water. Scientific presentations on mosquito life cycles and control strategies were delivered by Prof Dr Kabirul Bashar of Jahangirnagar University, Senior Scientist Dr Shafiul Alam of icddr,b, and Senior Entomologist Md Rezaul Karim Khan of the Directorate General of Health Services. The seminar was chaired by Zoological Society of Bangladesh President Prof Dr Hamida Khanam, with DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md Khaybar Rahman attending as a special guest.