Good response to mosquito eradication program

by Ananda Kannangara

A record 200,000 people including children, attached to over 4,000 Government institutions and schools countrywide, responded with enthusiasm to the `Mosquito Eradication Week' which was declared by the Health Ministry from March 23 to 29.

According to the program, members of provincial, district and village committees, schools and several social service organisations all over the country launched large-scale mosquito eradication programs in their areas during this week under the supervision of MOH offices.

Health Ministry, Additional Secretary, Dr. Palith Maheepala told the Sunday Observer that over 9,000 places have been inspected during these four days and about 5200 mosquito breeding places identified.

Another 800 places were identified as larvae breeding areas, while 320 persons were warned for keeping their environment unclean.

In addition, mosquito eradication programs to encourage the clearing of home gardens were also commenced by health officials from Friday and will be continued until the end of this month.

Health Minister Maithreepala Sirisena has thanked public and private sector officials, Security Forces personnel, non-governmental organisations and school authorities for their support initiated towards the ongoing mosquito eradication program.

He said if this type of program is continued throughout the year, not only dengue, but other major epidemics could also be eliminated. Colombo Special Commissioner Omar Kamil said Local Government institutions will take legal action against persons who do not clean their drains and remove the garbage in their own compounds.

The Health Department has identified Colombo, Kandy, Gampaha, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, Ratnapura, Puttalam, Hambantota, Kalutara, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Vavuniya as places more vulnerable to dengue and other illnesses due to the mosquito menace.