Widespread discrimination prevails in dengue control efforts: Experts
Public awareness needed to reduce mosquito breeding grounds, they say
- Elite neighbourhoods get priority
- Slums and areas of poorer inhabitants remain neglected
- Proper waste disposal, drainage system can prevent mosquito breeding
- Bangladesh Private Medical College Association announces weeklong awareness programme
Widespread discrimination prevails in the application of insecticides to control dengue mosquitoes, according to experts.
Underprivileged areas are neglected in anti-mosquito measures, they said in a discussion, titled "Dangers of Dengue and Ways to Prevent It," held at the Cirdap auditorium in the city today (1 December).
The Bangladesh Private Medical College Association (BPMCA) organised the event aimed at raising public awareness and proposing measures to curb the dengue outbreak.
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Speakers at the event accused city corporation authorities of prioritising elite neighbourhoods inhabited by wealthy and influential individuals in mosquito control efforts, while neglecting slums and areas of poorer inhabitants. They also suggest importing vaccines immediately.
Addressing as chief guest, Md Zafarullah Chowdhury, vice president of Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC), highlighted the growing public health crisis posed by dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
He explained that dengue symptoms range from mild flu-like conditions to severe and potentially fatal cases such as dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.
Zafarullah emphasised the importance of accurate diagnosis through clinical observation and laboratory tests. He also cited alarming statistics for 2024: as of November, according to the Health Services Department, there have been 465 deaths and 90,798 reported cases of dengue.
Preventive measures highlighted
The speakers stressed the urgent need for public awareness to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
Bangladesh Health Education Accreditation Council Registrar Md Humayun Kabir Talukder noted that proper waste disposal, regular cleaning of water containers, and maintaining an effective drainage system can reduce dengue risks by 50%. He also advised the use of mosquito nets and repellents, particularly for children.
BPMCA General Secretary Md Moazzem Hossain reiterated that public awareness and community participation are key to controlling the spread of dengue. He called for large-scale campaigns to educate the public and promote preventive actions such as eliminating stagnant water and using protective measures.
Week-long awareness drive announced
BPMCA President MA Mubin Khan announced a week-long programme to increase public awareness including seminars, discussion meetings, leaflet distribution, free medical camps, and cleanliness drives in schools, colleges and markets.
He added that the BPMCA plans to collaborate with the government to sustain these efforts throughout the year, emphasising the importance of a coordinated approach to combat dengue effectively.
