DSCC chief calls joint effort to fight dengue

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Abdus Salam has called on residents to share responsibility for preventing dengue, saying eliminating mosquito breeding grounds at the household level is as important as the city corporation's operations.
He made the call at a scientific seminar on dengue trends, prevention and innovative mosquito control strategies at the Nagar Bhaban auditorium on Thursday.
"50% of the responsibility for preventing dengue lies with the city corporation and the remaining 50% with citizens. Dengue can be controlled only when everyone performs their respective duties," he said.
The administrator said the corporation had been conducting regular mosquito control activities alongside special crash programmes since he assumed office.
Comparative findings from surveys conducted in March and October showed improvements in several wards previously identified as high-risk areas following the special interventions, he said.
However, he expressed concern that nearly 50% of the Aedes mosquito larvae found during inspections were detected in and around residential premises, highlighting the need for greater public participation. He urged residents to regularly inspect rooftops, yards, construction sites, air-conditioner drainage points and other areas around their homes to prevent water from accumulating.
The DSCC was conducting awareness campaigns through public announcements, leaflet distribution and mosque-based outreach programmes and other initiatives, he said.