'Sri Lanka can control dengue with coordinated action'

by Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh

Sri Lanka experienced outbreaks of dengue since it was first reported in 1962, until the disease became endemic in 1989.

Since then there has been large number of cases reported every year. With a high incidence rate, the disease has been reported from across the country.

Victory over dengue is possible but it will require coordinated action by different sections of the society - the community, health practitioners, different sectors of the Government as well as the media.

Sri Lanka is not alone in its fight against dengue. The disease has shown a 30-fold increase globally over the past five decades. Some 50-100 million new infections are estimated to occur annually in more than 100 endemic countries.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of severe cases arise resulting in 20,000 deaths. On World Health Day, WHO will focus global attention on vector-borne diseases such as dengue that are putting our health at risk, at home, at the workplace and when we travel. Dengue is a complex disease, with multiple virus strains and an extremely versatile and efficient vector - the day-biting mosquito.

The dengue mosquito breeds in fresh water and even a small amount - as little as 5-10 mL is enough to breed the mosquito.

The mosquito develops from larva to full grown mosquito in a week.

This makes water collecting in your coolers, air conditioners, planters, coconut shells and used tyres ideal breeding grounds for the mosquito. Surveillance and vigilance for mosquito breeding grounds is one of the most important actions you can take to prevent dengue.

Dengue is a climate-sensitive disease and its vector dynamics are strongly influenced by environmental factors, population dynamics and climate change. Despite these challenges, dengue is a preventable disease.

The solution lies in a united and sustained effort from all of us. Ministries of health alone cannot control dengue. Dengue is everybody's concern and its control and prevention requires a committed, multisectoral engagement with a strong political will.

Since there is no antiviral drug or vaccine, mosquito control is the only alternative.

Good environmental management, effective solid waste management and better management of water resources are key elements of mosquito control.

No single approach works on the mosquitoes and hence an integrated approach needs to be practised.

Educating and empowering communities to take ownership of mosquito control in their houses and neighbourhoods is the cornerstone of a sustainable mosquito-control programme.Parents must protect themselves and their children from mosquito bites, using mosquito repellants, sleeping under bednets and wearing clothing that cover as much of the body as possible. Communities must come together to check old tyres, potted plant bases, empty vessels, especially at construction sites and community trashcans. Mosquito breeding grounds in public spaces such as hospitals, offices, and schools must be regularly checked and eliminated. The writer is the Regional Director, WHO, South East Asia.