'Stop Dengue Now': News 1st, Health Ministry Unite for Massive Anti-Dengue Campaign

COLOMBO (News 1st); The "Stop Dengue Now" National Dengue Eradication Programme, jointly launched by News 1st and the Capital Maharaja Group in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, got underway with a major focus on the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts.The initiative, which is being implemented with the support of several partner organizations, aims to encourage the public to fulfill its civic responsibility in combating dengue amid a rapid increase in cases reported across the country.Joining hands with the Ministry of Health and News 1st for the programme are MAS Holdings and Panadol, further strengthening the national effort to curb the spread of the disease.Health and Mass Media Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe emphasized that dengue prevention should not be limited to periodic campaigns, but instead become a part of everyday life throughout the year.He noted that while awareness campaigns had been carried out in recent weeks across high-risk areas, the current situation demands immediate action as dengue infections continue to rise sharply.Dr. Jasinghe pointed out that 52% of the country's dengue cases are currently being reported from the Western Province. As a result, 23 high-risk Medical Officer of Health divisions and local authority areas within Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, and the Colombo Municipal Council limits have been identified for intensified interventions.He also commended News 1st, Sirasa TV, and Maharaja Media Network for consistently drawing attention to matters affecting the public and for taking a proactive approach in addressing national challenges.Chief Executive Officer of MTV, Yasarath Kamalsiri, said News 1st and the Maharaja Media Network have always stepped forward when the country and its people required support. He stated that the organization wanted to move beyond awareness campaigns and make a direct contribution toward addressing the growing dengue threat.Kamalsiri described the initiative as a national responsibility undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, with the immediate goal of reducing dengue risks across the Western Province. He thanked the Ministry of Health, Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, the National Dengue Control Unit, MAS Holdings, and allied partners for supporting the campaign.He revealed that approximately 3,000 locations across the Western Province are expected to be inspected during the next 14 days. Through extensive news coverage and public engagement efforts, News 1st hopes to deliver critical messages on preventing dengue and ultimately contribute towards eliminating the disease from Sri Lanka.Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said dengue can only be sustainably controlled through community action, chiefly by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.He noted that discussions are ongoing regarding the introduction of a dengue vaccine, which is currently being used in varying capacities in around 41 countries. He also said authorities are moving forward with the Wolbachia programme, a scientific method aimed at reducing mosquito populations.However, the Minister stressed that community participation remains the most important factor. He praised the Maharaja Media Network for going beyond its traditional role of informing the public and actively participating in a national public health response.According to the Minister, current health reports indicate that the dengue risk is expected to remain elevated for at least the next four weeks. He said immediate action can significantly reduce both the duration and impact of the outbreak.Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara, revealed that 61,060 dengue cases have been reported nationwide so far this year, making it the highest number recorded during the corresponding period.He said 21,546 cases were reported in June alone, while a further 5,673 cases have been recorded during the first five days of this month.Dr. Kannangara also confirmed that 39 dengue-related deaths have been reported, including five children under the age of five.He described every dengue-related death as a tragedy and stressed that poor waste management continues to be one of the major causes of mosquito breeding. According to him, more than 90% of breeding containers involve non-biodegradable waste, highlighting the importance of proper disposal practices beginning at household level.Simultaneously, launch events linked to the programme were also held today in the Gampaha and Kalutara districts.From today, public awareness activities aimed at reducing dengue risks will be carried out across Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara, with the participation of Public Health Inspectors, Grama Niladharis, Development Officers, and other government officials as part of the nationwide effort to combat the growing dengue threat.