In the face of the ongoing dengue outbreak and the need to remain vigilant against the potential resurgence of malaria and filaria, Sri Lanka’s health authorities are intensifying their efforts to combat these mosquito-borne diseases. 

Prominent medical experts emphasised the critical importance of proactive measures and sustained support from the Ministry of Health to ensure effective control and prevention.

Unwavering vigilance needed

Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Executive Committee Member Dr. Hansamal Weerasuriya stressed the need for unwavering vigilance against malaria and filaria. 

Acknowledging the country’s past success in controlling these diseases, Dr. Weerasuriya cautioned against complacency, emphasising that a robust approach to malaria control was still necessary. He criticised the notion that malaria was nearly eradicated and thus not a significant concern. 

Dr. Weerasuriya asserted that halting resources to the anti-malaria programme and neglecting it could lead to a dangerous situation, enabling the spread of malaria and other diseases such as filaria.

“We have to be more vigilant about malaria and filaria. We had it under control in our country, with it being eradicated at one point. We should not let this get out of hand in any way. The ministry should have a good approach to malaria control. Believing that we don’t have to worry too much since it is a nearly eradicated disease, halting resources to the anti-malaria programme, or not directing significant attention towards this is dangerous,” Dr. Weerasuriya told The Sunday Morning.

Filaria, another mosquito-borne disease, has also raised concerns due to it being detected in some areas. While Sri Lanka has achieved excellent coverage for malaria control with community physicians and well-functioning control programmes, Dr. Weerasuriya urged the ministry to ensure continued support for healthcare professionals and volunteers in the anti-filaria campaign. He underlined the Ministry of Health’s pivotal role and emphasised the need to provide adequate resources to sustain the fight against these diseases.

“Filaria is also being detected in some places, which is not a good thing. For malaria, there was very good coverage and there were community physicians and community control programmes that functioned well. We have to remind the ministry’s administration to provide maximum support to the College of Community Physicians and to those who are shedding their blood and sweat for the anti-malaria campaign. 

“The Health Ministry has a major role and it should not palm it off. If there is a risk of malaria reemerging, then we must identify the genetic modes, the species that are there, and any newly diagnosed cases. There are a lot of technical points that we have to go through,” he said. 

Current status of dengue

Addressing the current status of the dengue outbreak in Sri Lanka, National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) Medical Officer Dr. Indika Weerasinghe noted that the unit had initiated comprehensive campaign activities two months prior, with intensified efforts to prevent and control the spread of dengue. 

An expert committee, led by State Minister of Health Dr. Seetha Arambepola, is coordinating efforts alongside provincial sub-steering committees headed by district secretaries in order to tackle the outbreak in a highly focused manner.

“We already started our campaign activities two months ago. We have intensified all dengue control activities. There is an expert committee headed by State Minister Dr. Seetha Arambepola and we have already streamlined the response to the outbreak through provincial sub-steering committees which are headed by the district secretaries. At the moment, they are conducting all dengue prevention activities in an intensified manner,” Dr. Weerasinghe said, speaking to The Sunday Morning.

The Western Province, particularly the Districts of Gampaha and Colombo, remains the most affected area, with a significant number of dengue cases. Kalutara, also in the Western Province, has witnessed a high number of reported cases. In addition to the Western Province, other areas experiencing a rise in cases are the Kandy, Kegalle, Ratnapura, and Galle Districts.

Malaria 

On the malaria front, Anti Malaria Campaign Director Dr. Champa Aluthweera shared vital information regarding the disease’s current status in Sri Lanka and assured that there were no indigenous cases of malaria in the country. 

The total caseload for the year stands at 30 and all reported cases are imported, primarily from South Sudan and other South African countries such as Tanzania and Mali. Three of the cases involve foreigners, while the rest are Sri Lankans who have visited South African countries for various purposes, including peacekeeping missions.

“There isn’t a single indigenous case of malaria in the country. Altogether, the caseload is 30 for this year. All 30 cases are imported cases. Almost all are from South Sudan and other South African countries like Tanzania and Mali. Of the 30, only three are foreigners while all others are Sri Lankans who have visited the South African countries for reasons such as peacekeeping missions, gem businesses, and pilgrimages.” 

Dr. Aluthweera said that the ministry continued to take all necessary precautions and conducted awareness programmes to prevent local mosquito-borne infections. Sri Lanka remains engaged in the World Health Organization’s programme, demonstrating the country’s commitment to malaria eradication. The eradication programme remains intact, bolstering the nation’s efforts to safeguard public health.

“As usual, we are taking all the precautions and conducting awareness programmes. Now the year is almost at an end and we are engaged in the WHO programme at the moment. There are no cases of local malaria infections. The eradication programme is still intact.” 

As the year comes to an end, Sri Lanka’s health authorities stand determined to confront the challenges posed by dengue, malaria, and filaria. The collaborative approach between the Ministry of Health, medical professionals, and the public will be essential in effectively tackling these mosquito-borne diseases. Continuous awareness, proactive surveillance, and consistent support will pave the way for a healthier and safer future for all Sri Lankans.