The country is witnessing an alarming rise in contengeous Covid-19 cases and Aedes-borne dengue disease, posing a great threat to public health again. But we are very concerned that hospitals in the country are yet to get prepared to face the health challenge.
Dengue is spreading fast, particularly in Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Chattogram and Rangpur and different other metropolitan cities of the country, according to media reports.
Recent data shows that 288 dengue patients have been admitted to different hospitals across the country as of Thursday, raising the total number of cases this year to 6,926 with 30 deaths. Last year, the country recorded 101,214 dengue cases and 575 deaths.
On Friday, a news item headlined "Rise in COVID-19, Dengue cases: Most hospitals not prepared" was published in the Bangladesh Post. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has started supplying test kits to hospitals, but most hospitals are yet to open dedicated wards for corona patients.
Spike in dengue and corona cases has led us to thinking whether our health facilities are well prepared to face the double whammy.
Public health experts are raising alarm as most of the hospitals still remain ill-equipped. Covid-19 testing facilities are almost absent in numerous districts, despite government efforts to fight the highly contaigeous disease. To date, four new Corona deaths have been reported, bringing the countrywide toll since March 18, 2020 to 29,504. Meanwhile, 28 new Corona cases were reported in the last 24 hours, increasing the cumulative total to 2,051,901.
Spike in dengue and corona cases
has led us to thinking whether
our health facilities are well
prepared to face the double whammy
Despite the urgency, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) are yet to initiate any comprehensive mosquito control and cleanliness drives. Even the authorities concerned have not yet launch any mobile court drive to force people to make their houses free from mosquitoes and go by health guidelines.
In view of the situation, we think that the government should take action if against those who will be found neglecting to destroy breeding grounds for Aedes mosquito near their houses. City corporations alone cannot do the job of eliminating Aedes mosquito. Without public awareness and participation, spread of dengue, chikungunya and COVID -19 cannot be checked. We must act right as the monsoon fuels mosquito breeding.
Community action is al vital in this regard. We should carry out clean-up efforts as a social movement. City residents must participate in eliminating stagnant water from flower pots, tires, containers air conditioners and other known breeding spots. Aedes mosquito does not breed in clean and still water. Hospitals across the country are already grappling with Covid-19 and dengue. If we fail to take proper steps right now, we have have to face disasterous helath risk.
August and September are considered the peak months for dengue in Bangladesh, but dengue cases and fatalities are rising alarmingly, especially in Dhaka and surrounding districts much earlier this year. Experts fear this year’s dengue cases could surpass all previous records. Climate change—increased temperature and prolonged monsoon—is exacerbating the problem by creating ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.
Although officials claim to be remain active in the field, the rising hospital admissions give a different picture. To eradicate Aedes mosquito, we need to eliminate their breeding grounds. Just spraying insecticides will not work. The authorities must bolster health preparedness at both public and private hospitals across the country. Dedicated COVID-19 and dengue wards must be set up at hospitals immediately. Free Corona and dengue test should be made available at all hospitals. We strongly believe that the government, city corporations and people through their united efforts can effectively prevent spread of COVID-19 and dengue.
