Dengue cases in the country have increased by 68 percent.
This was revealed by Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and that should prompt everyone to act against this mosquito borne disease with a sense of urgency.
To effectively combat dengue, a comprehensive and coordinated approach involving the government, private sector, and the public is necessary. It hinges on robust vector control strategies. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an integrated vector management approach, which includes chemical control, biological control, source reduction, and personal protection.
Chemical control involves the use of insecticides to reduce mosquito populations through space spraying, residual spraying, and larviciding. The National Institute of Health defines larviciding as the process of applying pesticides to water to kill mosquito larvae and pupae before they can mature into adult mosquitoes.
Biological control, on the other hand, utilizes natural predators like fish and copepods, and bacteria such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) and Wolbachia to control mosquito populations.
Another vector control strategy is source reduction. This involves eliminating mosquito breeding sites by removing or covering water storage containers, proper disposal of solid waste, and cleaning gutters and drains. Another measure is personal protection like using window screens, mosquito nets, repellents, and protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites.
In this battle against dengue, the government must lead the charge by engaging in public awareness campaigns, enhanced surveillance, infrastructure improvements, and research and development.
Public awareness campaigns may include a nationwide drive to educate the public about dengue prevention and control measures. The government should also strengthen dengue surveillance systems to quickly identify and respond to outbreaks. Quick response is key in the prevention of dengue.
Another step is the improvement of infrastructure like investing in better waste management and drainage systems to eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Research and development is another vital measure the government should take. It may include supporting research into new vector control technologies and dengue vaccines.
The government cannot do it alone. This is why the private sector can play a crucial role in this battle.
The private sector must include in its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs initiatives that focus on dengue prevention and community health education. Ensuring workplace safety is another key factor in combating dengue. Making workplaces free from mosquito breeding sites and providing employees with information and resources to protect themselves are vital. The private sector can also collaborate with the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support large-scale dengue control projects.
In this battle, every individual has a part to play. Regularly cleaning and covering water containers, disposing of waste properly, and ensuring there are no stagnant water sources around the home are simple yet important steps. Using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and installing screens on windows and doors are measures to protect against dengue. Participating in community clean-up drives and spreading awareness about dengue prevention measures could help in the campaign against the deadly mosquito-borne disease.
To strengthen the government's campaign against dengue, it may do well for the Department of Health to visit best practices around the world.
For instance, Singapore is known for its rigorous vector control program that employs a combination of public education, strict enforcement of anti-mosquito regulations, and innovative technologies like Gravitraps to monitor and reduce mosquito populations.
On the other hand, Brazil and Australia use the Wolbachia method to reduce the population of Aedes aegypti, a strategy that has shown promising results. The strategy involves the release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, which are less capable of transmitting dengue and has been proven to be a successful strategy.
The fight against dengue requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. By implementing these strategies and learning from global best practices, we can significantly reduce the incidence of dengue and protect our communities.