Dhaka:The government and city corporations in Bangladesh's capital have ramped up efforts to tackle the ongoing dengue crisis. These initiatives include cleanliness drives, mosquito control measures, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced medical preparedness to curb the spread of the disease.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, experts have suggested that spraying insecticides and conducting cleanliness operations alone will not suffice to control dengue. They emphasize the importance of identifying and destroying Aedes mosquito breeding grounds, evaluating insecticide effectiveness, and increasing surveillance in high-risk areas. The Directorate General of Health Services reports that 116,990 dengue patients have been hospitalized in the country till October 21 this year, with 364 fatalities.
Dr. Kabirul Bashar, an entomologist and professor at Jahangirnagar University, indicated that the dengue situation might remain critical throughout October and November. He highlighted the need for increased field-level surveillance and continuous preventive activities to manage the infection effectively. Dr. Bashar stressed that it is essential to identify mosquito breeding sites, regularly monitor them, and assess the effectiveness of control methods.
The current government, in office since February, has implemented various measures to address the dengue situation, including launching a three-month awareness program and providing refresher training to approximately 3,000 doctors on dengue management. The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has intensified mosquito control efforts, including larviciding and fogging, and has opened emergency health advice lines for public assistance.
Meanwhile, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) is conducting integrated cleanliness activities by dividing its 75 wards into 10 zones, focusing on high-risk areas identified in pre-monsoon surveys. DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam noted that dengue has become a national crisis, requiring both government initiatives and public awareness to combat effectively.
Public health expert Dr. Mushtaq Husain pointed out that climate change, urbanization, and other environmental factors contribute to the spread of dengue. He called for strengthened coordinated activities for early identification, treatment, and control of mosquito breeding grounds. Both Dr. Mushtaq and Prof. Bashar emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach involving cleanliness, science-based mosquito control, effective medical services, and public awareness to prevent dengue. They also highlighted the need for citizen participation alongside government efforts to tackle the crisis.