Dengue has been a great challenge for both of Dhaka’s city corporations lately. The disease, carried by Aedes mosquitoes, has wreaked havoc on the health and well-being of Bangladeshis, while stretching our health care system to breaking point at times.
This year, however, we have to contend with the dual threat of Covid-19 and dengue. Although the two spread in rather different ways, both cause tremendous amounts of suffering, both place an undue burden on our doctors and nurses, and both can be prevented to a large degree through sensible policies and measures.
It is, then, good to see the Dhaka North mayor make it clear that fighting these threats was at the top of the agenda. Actions speak louder than words, and some of the action taken so far has been commendable. For example, DNCC has taken the initiative to install eight booths for Covid-19 sample tests as well as 27 medical centres to support dengue patients.
Furthermore, as is visible around the city, there are places where pedestrians can wash their hands, while highways and roads are being sprayed with disinfectant. In the pipelines are a PCR lab, and an isolation centre to be located in a part of Mohakhali market.
No doubt, both the city corporations of the capital have a daunting task in their hands, and because of the nature of the pandemic, no plan will be perfect. Regarding Covid-19, we are still learning, and it is hoped that as new knowledge about this virus is gain, the authorities will adapt and act accordingly.
