Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday called on people to adopt preventive measures against dengue and chikungunya, announcing that a nationwide cleanliness drive will start on March 14 to safeguard people from the deadly mosquito-borne diseases.
“Deadly diseases like dengue and chikungunya have caused loss of life. But, if we all become aware, it is possible to protect ourselves from dengue and chikungunya,” he said in a special video message to the nation.
Referring to experts, the Prime Minister said people become infected with dengue or chikungunya through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. “So, it is necessary to take all preventive measures in advance to protect against dengue.”
Although dengue usually spreads most during the monsoon from June to October, he said public health experts warn that the risk is not limited to any particular time of the year.
The Prime Minister urged people to keep their homes and surrounding areas clean at least once a week.
During the rainy season, he said Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean stagnant water. “If water remains stagnant for three days, mosquitoes can start breeding there.”
Quoting entomologists and public health experts, Tarique Rahman said the most effective way to control mosquito breeding is to keep places such as drains, ditches and sewers where stagnant dirty water can accumulate clean.
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“So, do not allow water to stagnate in flower pots, drums, buckets, discarded tyres, pits, or on the roofs of houses. Water tanks should be kept covered. Clean the inside and outside of your house at least once a week,” he said, urging people.
Addressing the country’s people, the Prime Minister said everyone should remember that awareness and cleanliness are the most effective ways to prevent dengue.
He said the government is going to start a nationwide cleanliness campaign every week from Saturday (March 14), ahead of the monsoon.
The Prime Minister also said the local administration is taking effective initiatives as part of this campaign.
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Besides , he called upon all public representatives including the Members of Parliament from each area to conduct weekly cleanliness campaigns every Saturday in their residential areas and nearby places with the participation of local people.
“If regular cleanliness campaigns continue, people will be able to protect themselves from deadly fevers like dengue and chikungunya in the coming days, Insha’Allah,” Tarique Rahman said.
He said the main principle of the government’s national health policy is ‘Prevention is better than cure’.
“So, do not allow dirty water to accumulate anywhere. Keep your houses and surroundings clean. Protect yourselves from dengue or chikungunya—protect yourselves and protect others.”