Rotary Club of Sarikei supports anti-dengue effort

SARIKEI: Rotary Club of Sarikei has committed to helping combat dengue by supporting the efforts of the Divisional Health Office and Sarikei District Council.

This is in line with the plan of action of Rotary District 3310 which had its own Dengue Epidemic Control Action Group to help the club within the district conduct anti- dengue activities, said Rotarian Robert Lau.

This group will share with the club ideas, expertise and resources in combating dengue, Robert said when representing Sarikei Rotary Club during a joint Dengue Epidemic Control Action programme with Sarikei Divisional Health Office and Sarikei District Council last Tuesday.

During the programme, Rotary Club handed over anti- dengue posters, mosquito repellents and sprays to the Divisional Health Office, these items to be given periodically.

“In areas of outbreaks, the posters will be hung to highlight to the public the need to put in extra effort to clean their surroundings and destroy the potential breeding grounds of mosquitoes,” he explained.

The aerosol sprays were to be used for indoor spraying in the vicinity of the outbreak while fogging was done outside.

As the number of dengue cases was increasing, there would be more outbreaks to threaten the health of the people unless concerted efforts were taken by the authorities and community, he cautioned.

He therefore urged the people to take responsibility by not throwing rubbish indiscriminately; apply the recycle, reduce and reuse concept; avoid leaving containers of water uncovered; scrub pots that hold water and empty them; cooperate with the health office and SDC to destroy the breeding grounds of aedes mosquitoes; keep surroundings clean and tidy; protect oneself against mosquitoes using repellent, mosquito netting and clothing.

Divisional Health Officer Dr The Joh Hun was invited to launch the programme.

Among those present were Divisional Epidemology Officer Dr Irwilla Ibrahim.