Union Assurance intensifies awareness building on dengue prevention
Saturday, 21 September 2013 00:00
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Union Assurance (UA) recently held two more public awareness programs to help curb the spread of dengue during the month of August. Weather changes, stagnant water and careless householders help to spread the disease of dengue which can easily affect anyone, at anytime. This is the vital message the organisation spread via their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects held under the theme of creating a healthier tomorrow.
House to house visits by representatives of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) and UA were made during the month to over 100 households in the areas of Narahenpita and Borella. Householders were made aware of good practices to help curb the spread of Dengue and those with exemplary dengue-free homes were commended by the officials.
Another such program was held on 30 August in Digana, Kandy organised by officials of the Ministry of Health (MOH) and UA. Officials of the Digana MOH, Sri Lanka Police, AG’s office, STF officials and staff from the Kandy branch of Union Assurance participated in the program.
Over 300 homes and shops in the town were visited where participants created awareness on eradicating dengue. This was the first program of its kind held in the area and participation of UA staff was appreciated by the MOH officials who requested further support for similar programs in the future.
The global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically with about half of the world’s population at risk. Currently, dengue is found in urban and semi-urban areas with 44.46% of cases reported from the Western province. Early detection and access to proper medical care lowers fatality rates below 1% while no specific antiviral medicines available for patients. Prevention is better than cure, with the spread of Dengue easily curbed through eradicating mosquito breeding hotspots in one’s home.
UA operates on the values of Corporate Social Responsibility which are firmly embedded in the UA way of life. Taking the challenge of incorporating CSR in the organisation was formulated to be in line with its long term vision and social involvement with local communities, and to help sustain the economic and development of the nation. UA hopes to keep strengthening its CSR reach and to be part of positive social change as a ‘trusted’ insurance provider of the nation.
