Pilot plan to reduce dengue cases by 25%

Provincial Councils and Local Governments are planning to implement a pilot plan to reduce the annual rate of dengue by 25% in the Colombo District. 

Speaking at a meeting held at the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Faiszer Musthapha said the reported number of dengue patients had increased rapidly in June, especially in Colombo.

Health officers of the CMC pointed out Grama Niladharis need to contribute more to prevent dengue. Officers also highlighted the fact that there is a substantial delay in cases filed against the owners of premises with potential breeding sites. Minister Musthapha called on officials to find ways to make amendments in law to speed up the process.

“The situation in Colombo District regarding dengue cannot be ignored. We should engage in every possible way to eradicate dengue. This will start from administrative areas of the Colombo Municipal Councils as a pilot project,” Musthapha said. 

 He also said the Government will encourage the Environmental Police to give their support to this project. The Minister affirmed stern legal action would be taken against people who create potential breeding sites on their premises.