Nipsom launches campaign to raise dengue awareness in Dhaka

The National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (Nipsom) intensified the national anti-dengue effort on Saturday by hosting coordinated activities in Mohakhali, including an awareness rally, leaflet distribution, a campus-wide cleanliness drive, and a scientific seminar.

The programmThe programme was part of a Ministry of Health and Family Welfare initiative to raise public awareness of dengue. The campaign launched simultaneous rallies and cleanliness activities at public and private health institutions nationwide. by Nipsom Acting Director Professor Dr Rubena Hoque, the awareness rally commenced at 10am from the campus, proceeding through key roads in the Mohakhali area before returning to the institute.

Nipsom faculty, officials, staff and students participated in the rally.

Following the rally, dengue prevention leaflets were distributed, and a public awareness drive was conducted. Participants stressed the need to eliminate stagnant water from rooftop gardens, balconies, flower pots, abandoned containers, and other potential breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes.

A campus-wide cleanliness drive followed, targeting potential breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes. Various areas of the institute were inspected, and attendees were urged to keep their surroundings clean at work and at home.

A scientific seminar, "Measures to Prevent Dengue", was also held at the Nipsom auditorium.

The seminar discussed the current dengue situation, transmission pathways, prevention strategies, and the critical role of public engagement and awareness.

Speakers emphasised that active public participation is vital to support government measures to prevent dengue. Echoing the slogans "Saturday's pledge, dengue-free family" and "Aedes breeds in stagnant water, awareness can destroy mosquitoes", the campaign called for collective action and heightened public awareness to achieve a dengue-free Bangladesh.