‘DCs instructed to combat Aedes mosquito outbreak’

City Desk  :
Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam has directed the deputy commissioners (DC) to take necessary measures to prevent the spread of Aedes mosquitoes.
The fourth day of the DC conference started at the capital’s Osmani Memorial Auditorium at 9:15am on Wednesday, reports UNB.
Later, the minister said: “The incidence of Aedes mosquitoes could increase in the future. The DCs have been instructed to take effective steps in this regard. While earlier prevalent in urban areas, the expansion of new buildings and houses in rural regions, coupled with the possibility of waterlogging, could lead to Aedes mosquito breeding in rural areas.”
Tazul said: “I had given many instructions to the deputy commissioners and divisional commissioners in a virtual meeting before this where the work has been divided according to the instructions.”
He underscored the importance of raising awareness to combat Aedes mosquitoes, citing that 90% of the effort required is related to awareness, while the remaining 10% involves technical aspects.
The minister informed that Dhaka South City Corporation approved the procurement of medicines worth Tk5 crore in a meeting on Wednesday.
He highlighted the decreasing prevalence of Aedes mosquitoes in Dhaka city, dropping below 20% last year, while the majority of cases (80%) were reported outside Dhaka.
The DCs have been tasked with initiatives to distribute leaflets for public awareness and monitor cleanliness measures.
The minister stressed the importance of reporting to the ministry on the proper execution of cleanliness initiatives and public awareness efforts in rural areas.