Public health experts have stressed the need for greater public involvement and coordinated efforts among government agencies, private organisations and communities to control dengue, an Aedes mosquito-borne disease.
They said the government alone cannot prevent dengue without raising public awareness. Civil society, the media and ordinary citizens must work together alongside public agencies to monitor mosquito breeding grounds, manage outbreaks and increase awareness.
Public health expert Dr Mushtaq Hossain said all relevant institutions should work together to prevent dengue outbreaks.
“Community involvement is very important in preventing dengue. Without public involvement and coordinated initiatives, it is almost impossible to combat Aedes mosquito-borne dengue,”
He also suggested setting up testing booths at different locations in Dhaka and other cities to identify dengue cases quickly. He advised people to seek medical attention immediately if dengue symptoms appear.
Dr Mushtaq also urged city corporations to recruit and train sufficient numbers of volunteers to help manage the dengue situation.
Jahangirnagar University zoology professor Kabirul Bashar said Aedes mosquitoes are mainly found in residential areas, with breeding grounds both inside and outside homes.
He said controlling Aedes mosquitoes requires a different approach from controlling other mosquito species. Understanding their breeding habits and life cycle is therefore essential for effective dengue prevention.
Prof Bashar said a year-round monitoring system should be introduced to identify and destroy potential Aedes breeding grounds. He suggested appointing health workers to monitor a specific number of households in designated areas throughout the year.
According to Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) data, 24,848 people had been hospitalised with dengue by August 17, while 23,024 had recovered and returned home. The disease had claimed 71 lives during the period.
Among the deceased, 60.6 percent were women and 39.4 percent were men.
The highest number of deaths was recorded in Dhaka division, with 33 deaths. Khulna division recorded 16 deaths, followed by Barishal with eight, Mymensingh with six, Chattogram with five, Rangpur and Rajshahi with one each, and Sylhet with one.
Experts said sustained community participation, regular monitoring and timely action will be crucial to preventing a wider dengue outbreak.
