A three-day nationwide dengue control programme will be carried out from tomorrow (24) to 26 June as the authorities step up efforts to curb the spread of dengue amid the ongoing South-West monsoon season.

The decision was taken during a discussion held yesterday (22) at the Presidential Secretariat on short-term and long-term strategies to combat the rapidly spreading dengue threat caused by the southwest monsoon season.

 The meeting was chaired by the Health Minister, Dr Nalinda Jayatissa and the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Accordingly, it was decided to issue a circular outlining the measures to be taken for short-term dengue control, covering Government institutions, schools and Local Government bodies. It was also decided to implement dengue control programmes across 600 Grama Niladhari divisions during the three-day period  from tomorrow to 26 June. 

 In addition, a decision has been taken to establish a monitoring unit under the leadership of the Tri-Forces, strengthen legal enforcement measures and further reinforce dengue prevention activities through the Community Empowerment and Public Safety Committees that have already been established at the local level.  The discussion emphasised the urgent need to accelerate short-term interventions, as schools, factories, Government institutions and places of worship have been identified as major breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes. 

The participants also held extensive discussions on long-term measures required to prevent similar outbreaks and trends in the future.