DHAKA: The interim government has finalized the draft of the National Dengue Prevention and Control Strategy (2024-2030) as the vector-borne disease continues infecting people in the country. "The draft of National Dengue Prevention and Control Strategy (2024-2030) has been finalized, which is awaiting final approval," said a progress report on the works of different ministries and divisions. The chief adviser's press wing shared the document marking three months of the government. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the report revealed that 63,165 dengue cases were reported until November 4, 2024, with 310 patients succumbing to the disease. In 2023, a total of 321,179 dengue cases were documented, resulting in 1,705 fatalities from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. Regarding the government's measures to prevent a dengue outbreak, the report mentioned that the government has allocated Taka one crore for conducting an entomological survey on the dengue virus, and a committee has already been forme d to this end. Dengue corners have been established at all medical colleges and hospitals across the country, with necessary medicines and equipment being supplied and dengue test facilities set up in the hospitals. DNCC Hospital and Mugda Medical College and Hospital have been designated as dengue-dedicated facilities. As part of awareness-raising efforts on dengue infections, the Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) platform was established, the report noted. To ensure the treatment of dengue patients, the supply of IV fluid (saline) has been guaranteed, with 421,800 litres of fluid currently stored. A total of 101,159 dengue test kits and 26,135 mosquito nets have been distributed. The Directorate General of Health Services has also developed a dengue tracker application. Additionally, Taka one crore has been allocated to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) in Mohakhali to conduct regular surveys in implementing the dengue prevention and control programs.
