Government Intensifies Efforts to Combat Dengue and Mosquito-Borne Diseases Through Enhanced Research and Technical Capacity
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The government is prioritizing efforts to combat the spread of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases by enhancing research and technical capabilities, according to Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Abdul Moyeen Khan. The minister stated that authorities are focusing on destroying mosquito breeding grounds while simultaneously working to improve the efficacy of insecticides used in vector control.
Minister Khan made these remarks while addressing an emergency meeting of the National Task Force Committee on Dengue and Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevention, held at the Secretariat on Sunday. The meeting, which was presided over by State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam, addressed the persistent challenges of managing mosquito populations in densely populated areas such as the Dhaka North and South City Corporations and Gazipur.
Highlighting the need for scientific intervention, the minister announced that the government is collaborating with Japan and other nations to review and refine the efficacy of anti-mosquito agents. Experts from various universities have been integrated into this process to bolster technical capacity alongside public awareness campaigns. The minister emphasized that local city corporations are operating under resource constraints but are making concerted efforts to identify and eliminate stagnant water, which serves as a primary habitat for mosquito larvae.
State Minister Mir Shahe Alam reported that dengue infection rates have dropped by approximately half compared to last year. According to government data provided during the meeting, there have been nearly 90 recorded deaths from dengue since January, while between 2,200 and 2,500 patients have recovered after receiving treatment.
The state minister urged the public to take individual responsibility by regularly clearing stagnant water from rooftops, balconies, and discarded containers, such as plastic pots and tires. He noted that while government-led cleaning initiatives and insecticide spraying are ongoing, public cooperation remains a critical component in curbing the disease.
The meeting was attended by the secretaries of the Local Government and Health divisions, the administrator of the Dhaka South City Corporation, and chief health officers from all 13 city corporations. Officials from city corporations outside of the capital participated in the session via virtual link.
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