Number of effective programs to fight dengue in North

Rafik JALALDEEN

The President Task Force to eradicate dengue mosquito breeding has implemented a number of effective programs to fight dengue in the Northern Province.

Northern Province Governor Major General G.A. Chandrasiri said the President appointed the Task Force to eradicate dengue mosquito breeding in the Northern Province. This Task Force has carried out their tasks effectively. Deaths caused by dengue have decreased during the last three months in the Northern Province.

The Task Force held Special meetings with municipal staff and Zonal level meetings with school principals, hospital staff etc.

The Northern Province Governor inaugurated a one week Shramadana campaign, such as cleaning abandoned public & private lands, cutting bushes, removing garbage and cleaning drains.

PHIs, PHMs, health volunteers and Youth Clubs members in the respective areas of the Northern Province inspected households.

He noted that dengue prevention awareness programs were successful in the Northern Province. The dengue awareness creation was conducted through public announcements, distribution of leaflets and banners, night shows, posters and stickers campaigns.

Around 20 deaths were reported in Jaffna this year, out of which two deaths occurred in June. Confirmed dengue cases in the Jaffna district from January to June 2010 was 1,600.

Around 536 dengue patients were reported from the Vavuniya district. There were only two deaths during the first two months of this year in Vavuniya.

Another 193 dengue cases were reported in the Mannar district. No deaths was reported in Mannar in 2010.