Reckitt entity partners Health Ministry in dengue awareness drive

'Unite Against Dengue' will call on Sri Lankans to educate themselves and be responsible in averting the disease through early detection and prevention.

Reckitt Benckiser has teamed up with the Ministry of Health to launch a nation-wide awareness and education drive called 'Unite Against Dengue'. The campaign, launched by Director General, Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medicine, Dr Palitha Mahipala called for personal action by citizens to protect their families and neighbourhoods against the spread of Dengue. Joining hands in this initiative along with the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medicine is the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) and the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).

The focus of the program would be to minimise the spread of dengue and its fatalities. The early detection and prevention will reduce the cases. We also need a behavioural change, Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Mahipala said.

This is a social problem that needs adequate controlling. The community and the industrial sector need a joint effort in preventing the spread of dengue. This is not only confined to Sri Lanka, but a global issue. Malaysia has reported over 40,000 cases and 130 deaths so far whereas Sri Lanka has reported 14,000 cases and 29 deaths.

It is more than what was reported last year, he said.

The roll-out plan includes a compelling TV commercial shot on location at Negombo base hospital's dengue treatment unit, considered one of the world's best facilities for dengue clinical care.

Dr. Mahipala said the number of dengue cases was alarming. "Everyone needs to be alert and work with the authorities to contain the problem," he stressed."We are happy that Reckitt Benckiser has taken the initiative to embark on this education campaign which is much needed, in the effort to minimise the spread of Dengue and avoid fatalities."

Sri Lanka is currently facing a surge of the Dengue epidemic with the number of reported cases so far in 2015 being more than it was last year.

Year 2014 recorded the highest number of Dengue cases; 47,000 in Sri Lanka while the number of deaths was less, mostly due to admission at early stages and efficiency and prompt treatment and action in the national hospitals.