Presidential Secretariat Issues Circular on Dengue Prevention and Control Measures

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Presidential Secretary has issued a circular containing instructions on the prevention and control of dengue fever.

Accordingly, all Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, District Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and heads of all local government authorities, as well as heads of state corporations and statutory boards, have been instructed to take necessary action to prevent and control the spread of dengue in line with the directives in the circular.

The circular also noted that dengue is currently spreading rapidly and has escalated into a high-risk situation. 

The Western Province has been identified as a high-risk Dengue Zone.

In view of the situation, the circular has instructed authorities to give priority to several key areas. 

Accordingly, special attention must be given to state and private institutions, construction sites, schools, religious places, fishing harbours, residential zones, and public spaces in urban centres that have been identified or are suspected as mosquito breeding sites.

It also emphasizes that ensuring all government institution premises are free from mosquito breeding sites is the direct responsibility of the respective heads of institutions.

Under the ongoing dengue eradication programme, which is being implemented from today until the 26th of June, all institutions are instructed to carry out cleaning activities with the active participation of staff.

Following this exercise, continuous monitoring of dengue control activities must be carried out in all government institutions, and a committee should be appointed to oversee and regulate these efforts.

Monthly reports on dengue prevention activities must be submitted to the respective Regional Medical Officer, along with a consolidated summary report to the Presidential Secretariat.