Bangladesh has stepped up its campaign against dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases, with the government saying stronger coordination among city corporations has improved prevention efforts across the country.
Speaking at a virtual meeting of the task force on dengue and mosquito-borne disease prevention on Tuesday, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam said the work of city corporation administrators had strengthened field-level operations and increased the effectiveness of anti-dengue measures.
He said preventing the spread of dengue remained the most effective strategy and stressed that eliminating Aedes mosquito breeding sites should remain the highest priority.
He also called for intensified cleanliness campaigns to reduce the risk of mosquito infestations in urban areas.
The minister praised the commitment of city corporation administrators and urged greater involvement from educational institutions, voluntary organisations and local communities in public awareness campaigns alongside government initiatives.
He also called on sanitation workers employed by city corporations to play a more active role in maintaining cleaner urban environments while encouraging residents to help prevent mosquito breeding by keeping homes, schools, construction sites and surrounding areas free from stagnant water and waste.
Shahe Alam highlighted the importance of routine inspections at under-construction buildings, which are considered among the most common breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
He also instructed officials to strengthen awareness activities in schools and colleges to improve public understanding of dengue prevention.
The meeting reviewed ongoing efforts by a recently established Local Government Division task force, which was set up to implement decisions made by the national committee on dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. The body is responsible for improving coordination among government agencies and monitoring prevention activities across the country.
Authorities said nationwide cleanliness campaigns, awareness programmes and targeted operations to remove mosquito breeding sites are already under way. Regular inspection drives are also continuing in different parts of the capital.
Officials said legal action is being taken through mobile courts whenever Aedes mosquito larvae are found at construction sites or other locations that pose a public health risk.
Administrators from several city corporations, including Mymensingh, Rangpur and Rajshahi, attended the meeting in person, while officials from Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Cumilla, Gazipur, Narayanganj and Bogura joined virtually, along with chief executive and public health officials.
Senior officials from the Local Government Division and the Urban Public Health Preventive Services Improvement Project also took part in the discussions, focusing on strengthening coordination and improving the effectiveness of dengue prevention measures nationwide.
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