Dengue menace: The cycle of failure must be broken
Dengue is no longer confined to the capital; it is spreading across almost every region of the country. The number of dengue patients is rising at the district and upazila levels as well.
The situation this year has already become a cause for concern. The highest single-day dengue death toll of the year on Tuesday (September 8) was nine people, dying from the mosquito-borne disease.
According to a report published in this newspaper yesterday, quoting the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 1,571 new dengue patients were hospitalized nationwide, also the highest daily figure recorded this year, bringing the cumulative case count to 45,475. These latest deaths pushed the nationwide toll to 130 since January 1.
As reported, the highest number of fatalities occurred in August. Forty-three people died that month. Even at the beginning of September, more than a thousand patients were admitted to hospitals daily. Given this situation, urgent measures are needed to control dengue.
It is to be noted that the year 2023 stands as the most glaring example of the severity of the dengue crisis in Bangladesh.
That year saw the highest number of dengue-related deaths in the country’s history. According to World Health Organization data, 321,179 people were hospitalized due to dengue that year, with 1,705 fatalities.
Regrettably, despite harrowing experiences, the desired changes in dengue control remain unseen. Every year, with the arrival of the monsoon, discussions regarding dengue begin.
Various initiatives are undertaken to eradicate mosquitoes; insecticides are sprayed, intensive drives are launched, and awareness campaigns are conducted. Yet, the spread of dengue cannot be halted. Simply announcing new programs year after year will not solve the problem.
Health experts say Aedes mosquito breeding grounds must be destroyed. Stagnant water accumulating on rooftops, at construction sites, and in discarded containers, tires, and other areas must be cleared regularly. Local government bodies need to be more proactive in this effort. Together, citizens must also shoulder their responsibilities.
Focusing solely on Dhaka will not suffice; capacity for dengue control must be enhanced at the district and upazila levels. Facilities for necessary testing and treatment must be available at local hospitals, and arrangements must be ensured so that people in remote areas can undergo rapid dengue testing. Additional medical facilities must be kept ready at district hospitals to handle any surge in patient numbers.
We expect the government to take effective measures to prevent dengue, placing equal emphasis on the district and upazila levels, not just the capital.
Dengue control should not be viewed merely as a seasonal program; instead, mosquito control must be carried out systematically throughout the year. Saving human lives must be the top priority.
