Zero-Dengue initiative launched as disease reaches crisis point

•  President orders for mobilisation of several ministries to combat disease 
•  Govt. to strategise and implement effective measures to halt transmission
•  Health Officials confirm that at least 1000 cases were reported in past three days 

The Government is set to initiate a comprehensive Zero-Dengue campaign today in response to the escalating dengue situation in the country. A meeting will convene with various stakeholders to collaboratively strategise and implement effective measures aimed at halting the transmission of this mosquito-borne disease.

The President’s Media Unit said President Ranil Wickr-emesinghe has promptly mobilised multiple ministries to combat the looming dengue threat. The Secretaries of the Ministries of Health, Education, and Tourism, along with doctors specialising in dengue treatment, will lead this effort, backed by the full support of the Armed Forces and the Police.

The collaborative efforts of the pertinent agencies under these ministries are anticipated to result in a more streamlined and effective utilisation of resources.  As communicated by the Presidential Media Division, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has delegated the coordination responsibilities for this operation to the Chief of Presidential Staff and Senior Advisor to the President Sagala Ratnayake. 

According to sources from the Ministry of Health, a total of 77,487 dengue cases have been reported in Sri Lanka this year. The Colombo district has reported the highest number of cases, reaching 16 363, while the Western Province has recorded the highest province-wise total, with 36,266 cases. This accounts for over 47% of the overall reported cases.

Director of the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) Dr. Nalin Ariyaratne said Sri Lanka has reported precisely 1,000 cases in the past three days, averaging around 300 cases daily. He noted that the country has returned to a phase with an average of 250 cases per day. He said a rise in dengue cases can be anticipated due to the ongoing rainy conditions.