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| Wednesday, 30 June 2004 |
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by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi A high level committee comprising medical specialists are of the view that Bacillus Thuringiensis and Bacillus Sparicus are not suitable for combatting the dengue epidemic which is fast spreading in the country. Clearing misconceptions on the use of these two liquids infused with bacteria, Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the committee had revealed that spraying of Bacillus Thuringiensis and Bacillus Sparicus were not efficient in terms of results. He also refuted certain newspaper reports that these two bacterias imported from Cuba could play a vital role in eradicating dengue."Although the cost is very high when using this method, the result is very low.It is a wrong impression that this could eradicate dengue." The recommendations had come from a special committee headed by Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Tissa Vitharana and several other specialists. Medical experts have already done a field trial on them using 1,500 litres brought down from Cuba."It has been revealed that the spraying these two liquids is effective only for seven days and it becomes necessary to spray again. So this is not going to be a permanent solution to combat dengue." He said Cuba was able to eradicate dengue through several national programs implemented consecutively for several years. Minister de Silva accused the previous Government for not paying adequate attention to curb the spreading of dengue."During the last two years, sufficient human resources and infrastructure had not been provided to the local Government authorities to fight this disease." He noted that due to the lack of these vital resources, solid waste had been piling up in almost every area creating an ideal environment for spread of dengue. He said dengue is at low prevalence in Katana area as its Pradeshiya Sabha had taken steps to implement an efficient solid waste removal system."It is necessary to implement a national level program to remove solid waste." The Minister also emphasised the importance of carrying out continuous environment cleaning programs to destroy the dengue breeding places. He urged the public to clear breeding places of dengue mosquitoes by getting rid of cans, tins, coconut shells, old tyres, small containers and roof gutters where rainwater gets collected. "The elimination of mosquitoe-breeding places is the key to an effective and sustainable preventive strategy." he added. |
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