How are Dhaka’s two city corporations responding to the dengue surge?
Dengue has claimed 307 lives so far this year, with more than 77,000 cases reported across Bangladesh as of yesterday (8 November).
Of the deaths, a majority have been in the two city corporations – 148 in areas under Dhaka South and 48 in Dhaka North, according to the Directorate General of Health Services data.
What measures have the authorities taken?
Dhaka South City Corporation held an emergency meeting on Thursday (6 November) to strengthen its efforts against Aedes mosquitoes, which spread dengue.
The meeting decided to form ward-based monitoring teams with the inclusion of locals to ensure the effective application of adulticide and larvicide used in mosquito control.
These ward-level teams will be responsible for planning and confirming the local schedules for applying mosquito-control chemicals.
Dhaka South City Corporation Chief Health Officer Dr Nishat Parveen told The Business Standard, "This year, dengue infections and deaths in Dhaka South are much lower. We are carrying out very expensive operations."
She claimed the dengue patient list provided by the health directorate for Dhaka South is not accurate.
"So far 28 people have died and around 700 patients have been hospitalised in our area. As soon as we receive the list, our teams go to the corresponding addresses and carry out mosquito eradication activities."
She continued, "It is not possible for us to keep the city completely dengue-free during the dengue season. In some areas, mosquito infestations are increasing, and we are conducting special drives there. Due to changes in weather and continuous operations, the intensity of dengue will gradually decrease."
Dhaka North also reported a significant reduction in Aedes mosquito infestation compared to last year. It is conducting special drives, including hotspot identification.
Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Mohammad Azaz said, "At the beginning of this monsoon, we held meetings with experts and have tried to implement their recommendations throughout the year."
Analysis of recent data shows that both dengue cases and deaths have decreased compared to previous years, he said, adding, "However, even a single death from dengue is unacceptable to us."
Despite limited manpower, Dhaka South is trying its best to provide maximum service, Azaz said.
The administrator went on to say, "According to international standards, 2.3 public health workers are needed per 1,000 residents. But in our case, we have only one worker for every 11,000 residents, which is far below the required level."
To reduce fatalities, he urged stronger primary healthcare and widespread dengue testing. Awareness, accessible testing and treatment for the poor are now most urgent, he added.
Meanwhile, Directorate General of Health Services Director General Prof Dr Md Abu Jafor told TBS that mosquito control is crucial to tackling dengue, along with individual awareness.
"People must seek medical advice immediately after developing a fever. If patients come late, there is very little we can do."
He added that authorities are strengthening responses in high-risk areas, ensuring adequate saline supplies in hospitals and offering free NS1 tests.
If people do not act responsibly, managing the situation will be difficult, he warned.