Program to combat dengue

Collaborative efforts are underway to expedite the steps taken to reduce the outbreak of dengue fever, which has become a major public health problem in Sri Lanka. The Italian Embassy and the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purpose.

Dengue outbreak have worsened after the tsunami due to the increase of mosquito breeding sites in destroyed and abandoned premises, and discarded containers at overcrowded temporary shelters without proper garbage disposal facilities.

At present the National Dengue Control Unit of the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition is coordinating dengue control activities in the country according to the National Plan of Action.

The Italian Embassy in Colombo, through the Italian Cooperation Office is currently funding about 40 projects across the country, within the post tsunami reconstruction process in the areas of housing, health and sanitation as well as psycho-social support.

World Health Organization facilitated the partnership between the Italian Embassy and Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition for implementation of National Plan of a Action for the prevention of Dengue Fever.

The Memorandum of Understanding which was signed on June 13, 2006 among the Government of Sri Lanka, the Italian Embassy and the World Health Organisation Office, Colombo, will enhance the activities in place and future plans in the prevention and control of the breeding grounds of the dengue transmitting mosquitoes.