Health Dept begins drive to ward off dengue, malaria

The district health department has launched a campaign to create awareness regarding mosquito-borne diseases. The main aim is to spread awareness about diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya, said Civil Surgeon Dr Kirandeep Kaur.

She said that residents are encouraged to devote one day each week to ensure that breeding of mosquitoes does not take place near their homes. She said that under ‘Every Friday Dry Day’ campaign, people are encouraged to check their homes, offices and surroundings every Friday and remove stagnant water, where mosquitoes can breed.

Buckets, coolers, flower pots and other open containers should be emptied and cleaned. Health officials said the number of dengue and malaria cases often rises during the rainy season, as water collects at many places. By keeping our surroundings dry, we can stop mosquitoes from laying eggs and reduce the risk of disease outbreak, said the official.

The department is also organising school visits, poster-making and door-to-door campaigns across the district to involve the public in the fight against mosquitoes.

Dr Kirandeep Kaur said, “Prevention is better than cure. If every citizen devotes just 10 minutes every Friday to clean their area, we can protect many lives.” The department has also asked residents to cover water tanks, use mosquito nets and wear full-sleeved clothes, especially during morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.