Controlling dengue, A/H1N1 in resettled areas

By Ananda Kannangara

The Education Ministry will launch a massive dengue and A/H1N1 control programme in the Northern and Eastern parts of the country where people have now been resettled, for the well-being of over 200,000 schoolchildren.

The programme is conducted by the Education Department in collaboration with the Health Ministry and Provincial Educational Directors and Health Authorities in the respective areas.

Speaking to Junior Observer, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said in addition, the participation of school authorities and schoolchildren is vital to eradicate these epidemics.

He said although major epidemics are not reported from the Northern and Eastern districts at present, the Health Ministry has taken all possible measures to stop the spread of Novel Influenza-A/H1N1 (commonly known as Swine Flu) and dengue.

It is reported that nearly 2,400 people including schoolchildren in the country have already taken medical treatment from Government hospitals for A/H1N1 and only a few deaths have been reported.

The Education Minister also said he personally paid special attention to prevent the spread of A/H1N1 and dengue in almost all schools in the country.

Minister Premajayantha has also directed the school authorities to conduct special healthcare programmes in their schools to detect students with symptoms of such diseases.

Meanwhile, when contacted, Ministry of Health, Senior Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Peiris requested people not to panic over A/H1N1 or dengue classifying them as dangerous diseases because Government hospitals countrywide are fully equipped with the drugs, along with trained medical personnel to handle any such suspected cases.

“People however, must be on the alert over dengue as it has already spread to many areas in the country and the latest Health Department statistics reveal that nearly 30,000 cases are reported from various places.Dr. Peiris said those who have a slight or high temperature must seek medical advice from the nearest Government Hospital.

He said if necessary, patients will be directed by hospital authorities either to the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) or other Government Hospitals, especially instituted to treat dengue or A/H1N1 cases.

Asked about the symptoms of the A/H1N1 disease, he said fever, cold, cough, pain in the muscles and spinal cord, failure of the respiratory system,headache and irritation in the throat are the main symptoms.

Sri Lanka’s first ever Solar Energy Park

Plans are under way to set up the country’s first ever large scale grid-connected solar power project with a 500 KW power generating capacity.

The solar project will be set up at Buruthankanda in the Hambantota district with financial assistance provided by the Korean Government which will undertake to provide aid up to the level of the grid connection.

Being the first of its kind, the project will function as a pathfinder for solar based power generation projects in the country. Valuable knowledge needed to operate a commercial scale solar power generation project in the country could be obtained from this solar project.

According to officials, the revenue generated from this project is to be channelled to the rural electrification programme of the SLSEA, and already 12 such rural villages have been identified for immediate implementation.

Under this project, it is expected to generate 10 per cent of electricity from renewable energy to contribute to the national target, once the cost of technology reaches affordable levels.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project is to be signed between the Korean and the Sri Lankan Government shortly.

World Religion Day 2010 Art competition

All around the world World Religion Day is observed and celebrated during the third week of January. Every year the Bahai Community of Sri Lanka organises different events to observe this important day. This year on January 17 the Bahai community of Sri Lanka together with Inter Religious Committee of Sri Lanka organised an art competition open to children of two age groups.You too can send in your entries now.

Themes:

Unity in Diversity Society filled with good virtues.

Age groups

5 to 12 yrs and 12 to 19 yrs.

Rules

Participants can send one or more entries.

Use any media of colouring. (water colours, pencils or crayons)

Only use a A4 paper. (half sheet)

The signature of the class teacher/art teacher.

First prize - Rs. 5000 and a certificate.

2nd prize - Rs. 3000 and a certificate.

3rd prize - Rs. 1500 and a certificate

Ten consolation prizes will also be offered and every participant will receive a certificate.

All entries should be certified by the school, principal or a teacher. Write your name, address, date of birth, school home address and contact numbers clearly.

World Religion Day , Art Competition 65, National Bahai Centre, Colombo 5.