Katuwana gears up to fight dengue

By W A Nelka

A programme to create public awareness on measures to prevent the spread of dengue fever was launched recently in the Katuwana health division with the help of public health inspectors, midwives, health field officers, volunteers and school children.

Dengue eradication: Health officials and volunteers on their way to inspect potential mosquito breeding grounds

The program got underway last week in Middeniya, Warapitiya and Katuwana areas on the initiative of Health Divisional Director Dr. Nalinda Rajapakse. The officials and volunteers provided instructions on preventing the spread of the deadly disease and destroying the breeding grounds of mosquitoes. More than 200 volunteers, in small groups, helped the officials implement the program.

The public health inspectors and other health workers got together and staged a musical show based on the campaign against dengue. It was said to be more effective than the usual workshops and instruction programs.

Dr. Rajapakse said the Katuwana health division needed an efficient garbage disposal system. “Haphazard disposal of waste water and solid waste creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes. It is the duty of the people to keep their home gardens clean and tidy to prevent them being breeding grounds of dengue mosquitoes. Public participation is an integral part of any dengue prevention programme,” he said.