Programme educates students on dengue
DENGUE cases and deaths have declined over the last two years.
Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching said this is a result of increased effort from all parties to educate the public on their responsibilities in reducing the risk of dengue.
One such effort is the Dengue Patrol 2018 programme, that aims to educate students on the dangers of dengue and to instil a sense of responsibility in adopting dengue prevention methods.
The annual national public awareness programme is organised by the Education Ministry’s Daily School Management Division, in collaboration with the Health Ministry and Sanofi Pasteur, a pharmaceutical company.
Citing statistics from the Health Ministry, Teo said dengue cases in the country dropped to 62,974 cases this year, from January to early November, as compared to last year, which saw 76,054 cases.
She said dengue deaths also declined to 108 cases as compared to 162 last year.
“Malaysia has successfully reduced dengue cases and deaths for two consecutive years; 2016 recorded a 16% drop in dengue cases and a 29% decline in dengue deaths, while 2017 recorded a 17% and 25% decline respectively. “This is a positive development. “Such programmes are in line with the digital-based learning system.
“Each year, the (Dengue Patrol) programme impacts a growing number of communities - 2018 recorded the highest number of community involvement, as well as the most number of initiatives carried out.
“This is very encouraging; it gives a clear picture on the effectiveness of this programme in raising awareness on dengue prevention,” she said at the Dengue Patrol Programme 2018 awards presentation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur recently.
In the six months the programme ran, it reached at least 450,000 people through social media platforms.
“The ministry aims to continue encouraging students to go beyond academics and experience team spirit, civic-mindedness and (programmes that) cultivate their creativity,” Teo added.
Over 9,500 students across the country participated in the programme this year, with SK Bagan Serai, Perak and SMK Raja Muda Musa, Selangor walking home with RM5,000 and a trophy each as overall winners under the primary and secondary school category respectively.
Also present at the award cere- mony were Health Ministry deputy director general (public health) Datuk Dr Chong Chee Kheong and Sanofi Pasteur director Camille de Lataillade.