Minister vows to take to streets to fight dengue

Nadira Gunatilleke

Sitting on chairs and waiting in rooms will not help control dengue, Heath Minister Maithripala Sirisena said. “I will step in to the streets with the people to take part in the dengue control campaign and monitor it, the Minister added.

Addressing a health program in Polonnaruwa, the Minister said dengue cannot be eradicated if all sit on chairs and wait in rooms for others to carry out dengue control activities. It should be closely monitored and house to house campaigns carried out in the most affected areas.

This will enable to control dengue, the Minister said.

Minister Sirisena said he will visit all homes in the worst affected 65 Divisional Secretariat Divisions and find out if officials have visited homes. “I will work with the people and visit their homes,” the Minister said. The Presidential Task Force set up to control dengue will commence its operations on May 25. Representatives from Health Ministry, Environment Ministry, Education Ministry and other State institutions are included in it.