Deplorable apathy

The Dengue epidemic is spreading unabated. It is on way to become the most dreadful killer, if not prevented in time.

The statistics are alarming. In 2008, there were only 6,500 cases of dengue and 88 deaths reported to health authorities. That was considered an epidemic level then. In 2009 the number of cases rose to 33,081, a five-fold or 500 percent increase. The number of deaths jumped to 334, a 12 times rise.

This is a 1200 percent increase. Yet the alarm bells were not heeded. Next came 2010 the current year. Compared to the figures for 2010 the epidemic of 2008 pales into insignificance. During the first six months of the year the number of reported dengue cases is nearly 19,000. If uncontrolled the number of cases may exceed the 2009 figure by as much as 5,000. Already there were 136 deaths, which is five times the 2008 figure.

In other words at least one death from dengue is reported daily. Statistically one may argue it is nothing much, especially as the country has witnessed much bigger death tolls during the war. Yet even one death is too many for dengue can be prevented.

What we are witnessing is a national calamity. It is especially so considering the fact that the majority of casualties are children. Yet the enormity of the danger is not being felt by the public. Public apathy is the major contributory factor that prevents dengue eradication. Citizens are not conscious of the need for a clean environment. It would be too late when they realise it and blaming the medical authorities is no consolation. The medical personnel are also at risk as seen by the increasing number of doctors and other health services personnel that have succumbed to the disease.

Though measures are being taken at the highest level there is no community participation commensurate with the magnitude of the danger. People’s representatives (MPs, Provincial Councillors, members of local government bodies as well as civil society leaders) have so far remained passive onlookers while they are being increasingly called upon to engage in last rites for more and more of their following.

Local government bodies bear a great responsibility to ensure a clean environment in their areas. In fact, some of them have become culprits by leaving un-cleared garbage and offering more and more breeding places for mosquitoes such as unclosed drains and pits by the roadside.

Nor could the Environment Ministry wash its hands off pointing the finger at the health authorities for clean environment is principally their concern.

As it is apparent from the above figures it is clear that indifference and apathy of both the authorities and the public has made the situation deteriorate to this calamitous proportion. For the past three years there was talk and no action. How many media reports would have been published on the imminent purchase of Cuban BTI or the introduction of local BTI to fight dengue? There were also modern fairy tales of training Sri Lankan pilots to spray the BTI. Experts were brought down from far away Cuba, according to reports. Up to now nothing tangible has happened.

Now there are conflicting reports in the media. One says local BTI would be bottled and sold (not sprayed) for the population to purchase. With today’s cost of living many would not consider purchasing BTI a priority. Another report says that BTI would be sprayed in most affected areas. The authorities have not corrected both reports leaving the citizen confused. Even to purchase the BTI there is no information available as how to get it and from where. The public should be made aware of the availability of BTI and equipped with knowledge about its application. One wonders whether the silence on these matters is a result of powerful lobbying by mosquito repellent producing firms that would stand to lose by eradicating dengue.

Further, fighting dengue needs a holistic and well coordinated approach with the participation of all relevant authorities and the public. BTI alone would be of no use if the environment continues to get polluted. Other methods such as fumigation too should be applied.

What is needed is a high profile national campaign with an action program with concrete targets and deadlines. Perhaps some extravagant expenses on tamashas could be diverted to this exercise.

It is time to begin action without waiting for the rains to cease and claim success for the dip in dengue infections.