City Council’s Bold Move to Battle Dengue: Are You Involved?

The Lautoka City Council is enhancing its initiatives to raise awareness about the significance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites and maintaining a clean environment, particularly in light of recent health concerns. The Western Division has reported alarming figures, with 2,841 laboratory-confirmed cases of dengue fever, alongside 252 cases of leptospirosis and 16 cases of typhoid from January 1 to March 23.

To tackle the increasing mosquito population and its associated health risks, Senior Health Inspector Shalend Singh stated that the council has launched extensive anti-mosquito spraying operations in high-risk areas. This proactive measure aims to mitigate the risk of disease transmission, and Singh confirmed that these efforts will continue over the coming weeks.

Singh emphasized that the campaign involves visiting households, distributing informative pamphlets, and raising community awareness about eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and maintaining tidy, bush-free compounds. He noted the importance of community support and involvement in these efforts.

Additionally, businesses like the Tanoa Group have stepped in to support the council’s initiatives. Tanoa Hotel Group’s General Manager Narend Kumar acknowledged the council’s request for assistance and has committed to facilitating the necessary support.

Reflecting on earlier initiatives, the council, under the guidance of CEO Mohammed Anees Khan, has been systematically conducting clean-up operations and promoting community engagement to combat the dengue outbreak. Collaborative efforts have seen the removal of over 2,014 truckloads of waste to help reduce potential mosquito habitats.

With dengue fever being a significant public health concern, residents are encouraged to participate actively in cleaning their surroundings and to stay vigilant regarding health warnings. The focus on community action and responsibility highlights a united front in combating the disease, fostering hope that together, residents can prevail over these health challenges.