Dhaka: Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain today emphasized that dengue has escalated from being an ordinary disease to a significant national challenge, necessitating the involvement of every citizen to tackle the ongoing crisis. He highlighted the limitations of relying solely on authorities, stating, “I can put pressure on city corporations and deputy commissioners to conduct cleanliness drives, but I cannot guarantee the complete elimination of mosquitoes or larvae.”
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made these remarks during the inauguration of the first batch of the National Training of Trainers Programme on Clinical Management of Dengue at Shaheed Dr Milon Hall of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) in the capital. He described the dengue situation as a “total fight” and stressed the need for a coordinated national effort, as no single institution or individual can address the crisis alone.
The programme was supported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, UNICEF Bangladesh, and the Bangladesh Society of Medicine. Referring to discussions about a dengue vaccine, the minister acknowledged the challenges of introducing a vaccination programme due to its high cost and the pressure it would exert on the country’s health budget. He emphasized prevention over treatment.
Explaining the causes behind the dengue spread, he pointed out that rainwater accumulates in small areas, creating breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes. Larvae have been found in stagnant water in garages, discarded tyres, and canals filled with waste. The minister emphasized the importance of early detection and timely treatment, urging physicians to remain vigilant.
Addressing the event, BMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr F M Siddiqui underscored the necessity of regular CBC tests and monitoring of plasma leakage to manage dengue patients effectively. The workshop was attended by key figures including Bangladesh Society of Medicine Convener Professor Dr Mohammad Monir-Uz-Zaman and UNICEF Bangladesh Health Manager Dr Riyad Mahmud, among others, who echoed the call for constant vigilance and coordinated efforts in combating the dengue crisis.