The US Embassy in Sri Lanka has launched a Public Health Pest Control and Vector-Borne Disease Response Programme with the Ministry of Health and the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) to strengthen Sri Lanka's capacity to prevent, detect and respond to dengue.

Funded through the US Department of War's Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid (OHDACA) programme, the initiative brings together specialists from the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and the U.S. Army's 18th Theater Medical Command with officials from Sri Lanka's Health Ministry.

The programme focuses on sharing expertise in preventive medicine, disease surveillance, entomology and integrated vector management.

Conducted in Colombo, the initiative is intended to complement Sri Lanka's ongoing dengue response, including mosquito breeding site eradication programmes, public awareness campaigns and predictive prevention methods.

"Dengue continues to pose a serious challenge for families and communities across Sri Lanka," Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Jayne Howell said. "Through this partnership, the United States is sharing American expertise in preventive medicine, entomology, disease surveillance, and vector control. This will strengthen Sri Lanka's response to today's outbreak while building sustainable capabilities that will protect Sri Lankan communities for years to come."

The Embassy stated that the programme reflects the broader U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership, which includes military cooperation through exercises such as CARAT and Atlas Angel, as well as training with the Montana National Guard.