Let’s assume responsibility in fighting dengue

OF late, dengue has become a significant public health problem in Malaysia.

According to the Health Ministry, there was more than a 50% jump in the number of deaths caused by dengue last year compared to 2014.

There were 336 dengue deaths – an average of 28 a month – last year compared to 215 in 2014.

Reportedly, there was also an increase of 11.2% in the number of dengue cases throughout last year, up from 108,698 in 2014 to 120,836 cases. This recent upsurge in dengue related incidents has sparked a debate on whose responsibility it is to fight dengue.Is it the Government or the community?

The Malaysian Consumers Movement (MCM) agrees with the Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam that the war against dengue must be fought by all agencies and the community by large, as it cannot be handled by the Government alone.

The MCM believes that while the health authorities continue to educate and promote preventive measures to eradicate dengue, there is only so much that they can do. Results can only be achieved when we, as citizens, assume individual and collective responsibility. There is therefore a dire need for community responsibility, public participation and responsible citizen behaviour.

Dengue is a serious business and eradicating it therefore must become our top priority.

While a vast majority of us are responsible citizens, sadly there are still amongst us those who need to change their view on their responsibility in many of the health issues that threaten us.

As a community we must adopt an environment free of mosquitoes and obey our public health inspectors as they advise us on how to eradicate mosquitoes. At home we can take precautions by using repellents or mosquito nets and ensure that there are no mosquito breeding areas.

The MCM is optimistic that positive results can be achieved if we as individuals and as a community take charge of the situation.

The Government on the other hand must continue to adequately provide its services to the people as demanded by them.

Pointing fingers is just not going to take us anywhere!

DARSHAN SINGH DHILLON

President

Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM)