-by Kyler Rollins

The Region Six Health Department is ramping up efforts to combat dengue.

Regional Health Officer Dr. Vinehsri Khirodhar assures the public that measures are underway to control the mosquito population and reduce the spread of the disease.

During the Region 6 Regional Democratic Council statutory meeting held earlier today, she said that measures are being implemented to address the rising number of dengue cases in the region.
 
Dr. Khirodhar notes that while there was a reduction in these cases over the last quarter, the onset of the current rainy season has led to water accumulation, creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and contributing to a recent increase in infections.
 
She adds that multiple agencies have been mobilized to support efforts in controlling the spread of the disease.
 
“Dengue is more of an inter-agency approach. It’s no longer just the health department or the RDC. The education department, all the NDCs across the region…have a core function in this now. The RDC along with health services, we would have provided machines, spray cans, chemicals, all the necessary resources for them to do mass spraying,” she explained.

Dr. Khirodhar emphasised that the main focus is now on Indoor Residual Spraying, a long-lasting insecticide applied inside homes to effectively eliminate mosquitoes.

“[We have] the REO’s office and the Chairman’s office working along with each NDC to ensure that each community is being sprayed. Now we do have an obstacle and it is a great barrier. Some residents are refusing for the vector teams along with the health workers to enter their houses and yards to do the spraying, and it is a challenge,” she added.

The RHO also urged residents to avoid leaving water-collecting debris in their yards and to keep drains clear during the rainy season to prevent mosquito breeding.
 
Meanwhile, at the RDC meeting, several sub-committees were established to address regional matters more effectively across various sectors.