In a proactive move to combat the growing dengue epidemic in Sri Lanka, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha has unveiled plans for a special dengue control program to be implemented in several schools across the island. The initiative aims to create a safer environment for students before the start of the new school term.
Minister Premajayantha has disclosed that the program will be initially rolled out in 144 schools within the Colombo district over the upcoming weekend. Following its implementation in the capital, the program will be extended to schools in all provinces across the country.
The decision comes in response to the alarming increase in dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka in 2023. Shockingly, during the first two weeks of May alone, nearly 4,000 cases have been recorded, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive preventive measures.
The dengue control program in schools will focus on various strategies to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and promote awareness among students, teachers, and staff. It will involve thorough inspections of school premises, proper waste management practices, and educational campaigns on dengue prevention.
