Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh has claimed that according to data and statistics, Bangladesh is in a better position than other developed countries in controlling dengue.
He made this claim while talking to reporters after inspecting the water extraction equipment in Hatirjheel of the capital on Wednesday afternoon.
Mayor Taposh said: “No one can eradicate dengue. No country could. We were able to keep it under control. If you compare the data and statistics with developed countries, you will see that we are in a better position compared to other countries although our death rate has increased.”
Stating that the incidence of dengue is high in Bangladesh due to weather and climate, the mayor said: “We have to understand that the breeding rate of Aedes mosquitoes is high in our country due to the overall climate, overall weather and geographical location and environment. To prevent that, everyone must play a responsible role.”
Claiming that the spread of Aedes mosquito, which carries dengue, is under control compared to other countries, he said: "Even though the amount of rain has been more than other countries, we have been able to control dengue."
Advising the Directorate General of Health Services to pay more attention to dengue deaths, the mayor said: “We need to increase the quality of our medical services. An early treatment should be ensured so that patients do not go into an alarming state. Then we can reduce the death rate.”
“Usually rate of dengue increases in July and reach its peak in August. By September, the rate falls. However, last year we saw that dengue increased further in September and the disease spread till October, reducing from November. This year, dengue arrived earlier than before which was not anticipated,” he added.
The mayor further said: “In 2021, we took a two-month program to eradicate dengue while this time we have a four-month program. We are increasing capacity as well as operations.”
Addressing the city's residents, Mayor Taposh appealed for their assistance in identifying breeding grounds. He stated: "Once we receive your information, our mosquito control team will arrive at the location within 15 minutes to implement the necessary measures."
