Prevention is better than cure

by K. Joseph S. Fernando

Suggestions to combat malaria, filariasis, dengue and various other sicknesses which derives from mosquitoes very effectively without the use of insecticide which are harmful to men, birds, animals and also to the environment.

A campaign that should have wiped out if not, at least controlled the menace threatening mankind. This means that no one is safe and the entire nation is responsible until they are exterminated. We will go on unconcerned till we are swamped by terrible hordes of these pest created by our own negligence.

This must be viewed from the perspective of a national problem and not as a mere parochial problem affecting only those who live in affected areas. Not many people know that a mosquito can fly for a considerable distance from its place of breeding.

This means that no one is safe and the entire nation is in great danger from this problem and must wake up before it is too late as mosquitos have a tremendous potential for spreading sicknesses far and wide. This concept of mine can save valuable lives from the dreadful diseases.

A. Educate the general public including the schoolchildren to be vigilant on dangers of throwing unwanted articles such as used empty yoghurt cups, polythene bags, king coconuts, empty cans, discarded tyres and various other items which help and encourage to breed mosquitoes.

B. How filariasis spreads: The factor that should cause us alarm is the imperfect constructions of cess pits and encourages breeding of mosquitoes arises from this source and it should be properly maintained by the users of cess-pits.

C. Ducks may be introduced to destroy the breeding places of mosquitoes and also to destroy the lavae. Ducks may be reared in houses and, especially in schools for the safety of children.

D. The device which may be capable of destroying mosquitoes very effectively anywhere the breeding places are existing.

This device is made in U.S.A. There is a possibility to convert this device to suit our purposes in Sri Lanka. If I am called upon by responsible officials, I can demonstrate this device for our purposes.

This device is also dangerous to handle by people without practical knowledge. My device can be assembled with the help of the technicians who have practical knowledge. Once it is successful we can save foreign exchange too.

E. The mini fire brigade for multipurpose advantages: The mini fire brigade must be followed as a precaution alongside with this device as there is unexpected danger from fire.

This mini fire brigade will help us to pump out stagnating water from neglected gem pits, wells, drains, culverts etc. This will be a blessing in disguise if and when a fire breaks out where the fire brigade is not available to douse the fire.

This too may help to bring under control the forest fire and also any other places of fire in an emergency and this mini fire brigade may be installed wherever it is necessary in the island.

The above suggestions may be accepted by the authorities concerned. These multipurpose suggestions if it is accepted will help to reduce the mosquito menace and also to help to save the untimely deaths of valuable lives from these dreadful diseases.