Dengue Prevention Foundation Bangladesh (DPFB) has launched a programme called the Dengue Ambassador Initiative to build a student-led social movement against dengue. Its first session was held on Sunday at Academia School in Dhaka under the theme 'Empowering students to build dengue-safe communities'. The aim is to carry dengue prevention from school to family and from family to the wider community.
Trained students will look for possible Aedes breeding sites at their schools, homes and surroundings, and encourage family members and neighbours to clear standing water. They will be taught the Aedes life cycle, how dengue spreads, and how to find and remove water collecting in flower pots, discarded containers, old tyres and on rooftops. Where water cannot be removed, schools will be guided on the safe use of approved larvicides.
The results are to be measured scientifically. Students will map breeding sites, mark high-risk areas and keep records of regular checks, and under expert supervision changes in mosquito breeding will be assessed with recognised measures such as the house index, container index and Breteau index.
The programme rests on three principles: awareness, prevention and personal protection, including the use of suitable mosquito repellents against bites. DPFB plans to form dengue ambassador teams at schools across the country in stages, bringing in teachers, parents and local communities.
Dr Masud Khan, general secretary of DPFB, said seasonal mosquito killing alone was not enough to control dengue; destroying Aedes breeding sites, regular scientific surveillance and active public participation were essential. "Let dengue prevention start at school and spread to every family and community," he said.
Photo: Emil August Goeldi / Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
Source: samakal
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