Chattogram Bureau :
Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said, “Prevention of dengue and chikungunya is now the top priority of urban health management. CCC and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) will work together in the future to take effective and scientific initiatives in this regard.
International experience and a coordinated action plan in public health protection will further strengthen our fight.” In a meeting with the mayor at the CCC office on Tuesday afternoon, a senior MSF delegation presented an outline of possible dengue prevention activities, preparedness initiatives and joint cooperation in Chattogram.
At the meeting, MSF highlighted their global emergency health response experience, especially effective measures to combat AIDS-related diseases, technical support, training, surveillance and emergency response capacity building.Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said, “Dengue has become a major health threat to Chattogram for the past few years.
We are conducting mosquito control activities throughout the year to protect the lives and health of the city residents. Expert cooperation from the international organization MSF will make our work plan more scientific, technology-based and effective.”
He added that the CCC is considering new methods and technologies in field-level mosquito density surveys, hotspot identification, larva control, public awareness raising and emergency response systems.
At the meeting, the MSF delegation presented a possible plan for implementing dengue prevention activities in Chattogram, including data analysis, first aid preparation, vector control strategy, health worker training and emergency response systems.
The delegation expressed interest in developing a sustainable and research-based dengue prevention framework in coordination with the Chattogram City Corporation.
The Mayor said, “Dengue control in Chattogram is not the sole responsibility of CCC; it is a collective social and institutional effort.
Having an international humanitarian health organization like MSF standing by our side is a major success and a realistic direction for the future.”
The meeting was attended by MSF Regional Operational Director Paul Brockman, Regional Health Director Dr. Mark Sherlock, Country Director, Mike Harsvoort, Chief of Health Dr. Carmenza Galvez, Deputy Chief of Health, Dr. Rezwan Masum, Head of Dengue Response Dinali De Jaysa.
The meeting was attended by CCC representatives on the dengue situation, ongoing programs and the possibility of new partnerships. Both sides agreed to formulate a coordinated action plan, technical cooperation, joint programs and build a rapid response healthcare system for citizens in the future.
The mayor expressed hope that this joint initiative of CCC and MSF will create a new milestone in the prevention of dengue and chikungunya in Chattogram.
