Staff Correspondent

Participants at a roundtable have alleged discrimination in dengue prevention measures and claimed that underprivileged areas are often ignored in the application of insecticides and other anti-mosquito initiatives.

The discussion, titled “Dangers of Dengue and Ways to Prevent It,” was held at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital organised by the Bangladesh Private Medical College Association (BPMCA) to raise awareness and propose actionable steps to combat the dengue crisis.

Speakers alleged that city corporations are prioritising elite areas inhabited by well-off and influential residents in their mosquito control efforts while neglecting slums and other marginalised communities.
They also called for the immediate import of dengue vaccines to address the ongoing health emergency.

Vice President of Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) Professor Dr. Md. Zafarullah Chowdhury said the dengue symptoms range from mild flu-like conditions to severe complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.

Citing government statistics, he said as of November 2024, the country has recorded 465 dengue-related deaths and 90,798 reported cases.

Dr. Zafarullah said accurate diagnosis through clinical evaluation and laboratory tests is important to ensure timely and effective treatment.

Registrar of the Bangladesh Health Education Accreditation Council Professor Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir Talukder said proper waste disposal, regular cleaning of water containers, and maintaining effective drainage systems could reduce dengue risks by up to 50%.

He also advised using mosquito nets and repellents particularly for children to mitigate risks.

BPMCA General Secretary Professor Dr. Md. Moazzem Hossen stressed the need for raising public awareness and community participation in controlling dengue.

He called for large scale campaigns to educate the public on eliminating stagnant water and adopting protective measures.

BPMCA President MA Mubin Khan announced a week-long programme aimed at raising awareness which will include seminars, discussion meetings, leaflet distribution, free medical camps, and cleanliness drives in schools, colleges, and markets.

He also shared BPMCA’s plans to collaborate with the government to continue these efforts throughout the year, stressing the need for a coordinated approach to effectively tackle the dengue crisis.