A video recently went viral on Bangladeshi social media. The live video displayed all attendees, and guests, including Local Government Minister Tajul Islam and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam, fending off mosquitoes manually, with several scratching at the areas where they were bitten.
Netizens reveled in the suffering of the mayor, with the comments section filled with mirth as the citizens vented their anger on both the Mayors(north and south) for failing to protect them from the Mosquito menace. Dhaka it seems, is losing the war against mosquitoes.
A Failure in Policy and Coordination
Despite hefty budgets and intensified efforts, the mosquito scourge continues to plague the citizens of Dhaka. The authorities have opened their coffers wide this fiscal year, with the Dhaka North City Corporation allocating a staggering 122.84 crore taka – a 64 percent increase from the previous year’s allocation. The Dhaka South City Corporation has earmarked nearly 47 crore taka for the same purpose. However, the insects persist in their relentless multiplication.
One factor that has contributed to the rise in mosquito numbers is Pesticide Resistance. Research conducted in a study called revealed that mosquito colonies of the Aedes species living in Dhaka have developed a high tolerance to pyrethroid insecticides.
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Experimental tests demonstrated that up to of Aedes mosquitoes from Dhaka survived exposure to standard applications of pyrethroid aerosol sprays. This investigation was spearheaded by Hasan Mohammad Al-Amin, a doctoral researcher working under the guidance of Associate Professor Gregor Devine at the Mosquito Control Laboratory within the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute located in Australia. Despite proven research on the ineffectiveness, both City Corporations of Dhaka continue to rely heavily on pesticides.
Experts lament the absence of a unified front and the adaption of more effective policies in tackling this persistent public health menace, rendering mosquito control efforts ineffective at preventing mosquito-borne diseases. A recent study led by Professor Kabirul Bashar of Jahangirnagar University has sounded the alarm bells.
“Culex mosquito density is over 95 percent now, the highest level”
– Professor Kabirul Bashar, Jahangirnagar University, Department of Zoology
By meticulously monitoring mosquito populations across strategic locations in Dhaka, by setting traps in Dakkhinkhan, Uttara, Mirpur, Savar, and Jatrabari; the researchers have documented a startling surge.
The average catch per trap has skyrocketed from a mere 200 mosquitoes in November to a whopping 420 by March. Such a tremendous rise in mosquito numbers sheds grave doubts on the efficacy of the city corporations’ mosquito abatement programs.
The Dangers of Dengue Rising
1Dengue infections and deaths between January and September 2023 (A) and over the last five years. NOTE: Final Death Talle, when October to December is included should be 1,705.
The year 2023 was marred by an unrelenting dengue outbreak. The numbers were staggering: a record 316,000-321,000 individuals infected and 1,705 dead. These numbers surpass the total number of dengue-related fatalities documented in over two decades.
There are four types of strains of dengue – Den 1, 2, 3, and 4. Experts have stated that if a patient contracts dengue for the second time or a different strain, then his or her physical condition becomes critical.
The dengue situation in Bangladesh is raising major concerns this year. After facing its worst dengue outbreak in 2023, the country is now witnessing an alarming spike in dengue cases within the first two months of 2024. The number of patients has nearly doubled compared to the same period last year. As of March 23rd, 1,620 dengue cases have been reported across the nation.
How Prepared are the Two City Corporations?
The government has launched a seven-year National Dengue Prevention and Control Strategy from 2024 to 2030, aiming to substantially reduce dengue infections and fatalities by 2030. The ambitious targets include limiting cases to one per thousand and mortality to 0.1%.
The plan outlines strategies to enhance healthcare workers’ capabilities for rapid diagnosis and treatment. It prioritizes strengthening mosquito larvae control measures, bolstering disease surveillance, and amplifying public awareness campaigns.
The strategy also involves comprehensive research initiatives, securing access to WHO-approved dengue vaccines through global partnerships, and ensuring a multi-pronged approach to tackle the persistent threat.
The Role of the Citizens
“Aedes mosquitoes grow in clean water accumulated in people’s homes and offices. Everyone should take responsibility for their houses, offices or working places to prevent Aedes mosquitoes from breeding,”
– Atiqul Islam, Mayor, DNCC
Citizens must play an active role alongside government efforts to tackle this persistent threat. Eliminating potential mosquito breeding grounds is paramount.
Recognizing the telltale symptoms of dengue, such as high fever, severe headaches, muscle/joint pain, and skin rash, is vital for seeking timely medical care. This can prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
During peak dengue seasons, embracing preventive measures like using EPA-approved repellents, wearing protective clothing, and utilizing mosquito nets can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
Conclusion: A Long War
From the seven-year plan, it is apparent that the Government of Bangladesh has realized the failure of short-term solutions to mosquito control; as well as the deadly consequences of failure.
The Seven-year plan represents the most comprehensive plan to tackle the mosquito/dengue issue till date. What remains to be seen is how successful the government is in the implementation of the plan.
The long war against mosquitoes is not only a crucial fight but one that will be beset with challenges. From overpopulation, and waterlogging to climate change, every factor will stack against those wishing to tame the menace of dengue. It will be a war of attrition, with the side that is most resilient poised to win.
