Bangladesh PM to launch three-month dengue prevention campaign

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will launch a three-month special cleanliness and public awareness campaign on September 12 to combat the spread of dengue. The initiative aims to address concerns that infection rates could peak between late September and early October.

The campaign will involve coordinated field-level activities led by local administrations, city corporations, and deputy commissioners. To ensure widespread participation, the government is engaging volunteers from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the Scouts, the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC), Girl Guides, and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, alongside students from schools and colleges.

In addition to cleanliness drives, the government has implemented several medical measures. These include establishing dengue corners in upazila hospitals, preparing a field hospital at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, and providing free dengue testing in government facilities. Private hospitals have been directed to provide free treatment for dengue patients in 10 percent of their beds, and diagnostic centers have been instructed to offer an 80 percent discount on related tests.

During a meeting with students from Netrokona, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining hygiene in homes and educational institutions to prevent mosquito breeding. He also encouraged students to balance their studies with physical activity and to practice compassion toward animals.