Dhaka- the capital of Bangladesh, has turned into death trap due to recent Aedes mosquitoes spreading dengue outbreak. Dengue fevers first breaks out in Dhaka city asepidemic. Later, it gradually spreads countrywide killing dozens of people daily. The people of every families living in the city are passing ever first bad time.
The screaming for blood from patients sounds everywhere. Less than expected number of doctors in hospitals are on the move to save the patients hit with dengue fever. Currently, dengue turns worst and it is not being controlled with spraying. Since January this year more or less than 25,000 people in Bangladesh were caught with dengue fever- according to reliable sources which is a threat for our economy.
In present context, vector-borne disease are alarmingly increasing globally. The study carried out by Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that Vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, causing more than 700 000 deaths annually.
More than 3.9 billion people in over 128 countries are at risk of contracting dengue, with 96 million cases estimated per year. Malaria causes more than 400 000 deaths every year globally, most of them children under 5 years of age. Bangladesh is now facing mosquitos-borne dengue fever to a large scale.
State and privately-run hospitals and clinics are overcrowded with only dengue patients. It is alleged that proper treatments are not given to the low -income group patients fearing due treatment cost. The high income -group people are seen to occupy most beds soon after admission into the global standard hospitals.
The dengue patients who live from hand to mouth are getting no room in the clinics operated by a section of wealthy people. They are forced to get admission into government-run hospitals. While shifting one place to another, it takes huge time due to traffic congestion causing death on the way to hospitals.
The two city corporations' rulers are boldly talkingto newsmen regarding improvement of dengue situation. Mosquitos fighting medicine are on the process to be imported ordered by city corporation chiefs. But found no tough efforts undertaken by the two city chiefs to eradicate the mosquitos flying in the city. Even though, a series of steps taken by the concerned ministry remains unnoticed still now.
The most familiar figures of ruling government are seen to deliver their lecture in public places on dengue situation. Truly speaking, there arerecorded no sign of improvement of dengue outbreak in Bangladesh. Some Asian countries are also experiencing a number of dengue patients. Singapore, Philippines are victims among others.
The country's all newspapers are being printed with dengue news as headlines on front page. The number of dengue affected people and death news in the dailies are making the people frustrated much. Above all, people now want to get rid of this situation anyhow.
Our prime minister who is now undergoing treatment in UK is keeping her eyes on country's ongoing situation. Time to time she orders the cabinet members and political leaders to look after the admitted patients. No doubt that she is closely monitoring us. She deserves appreciation for this.
In response to prime minister, the military people moved fast to bring the life-threatening situation under control earlier. Still now, the country people keep enough faith on military people. The people believe them from heart. They really work hard for the wellbeing of country's population. They have proved their sincerity by doing many tough jobs in hilly areas. We salute them as a result of working for mass people in weal and woe. I think none but military people tackle this situation.
They might have been ordered to battle against mosquitos that are responsible to spread dengue fever. What should be noted here that some employees of city corporations were involved in doing brisk business while taking attempt to import dengue fighting medicine. They were overwhelming with joy to get the importing works. Finally, they were able to show their unholy works. In the name of battling against mosquitos, they have earned huge- according to published report.
We have also enjoyed the month- long game held between City Corporation and ministry of health regarding dengue issue. I am obliged to say that if the country is run with this way, the people must raise their voices to get back their rights as per constitutions. A section of unholy traders have become busy dealing with buyers of mosquitos killing products aiming to make hefty profit. Is there no government agency to monitor the market?
Why does market watchdog remain absent in the market place except during month of Ramadan. They deserve punishment. To control this dengue epidemic, the need for introducing vaccination program is a must. If dengue spreads countrywide rapidly, the state might take help of WHO that is devoted to keep its member countries free from any types of disease.
Dhaka that is globally known as least livable city has lost its reputation in many ways. The city is adorned with a number of water bodies that hold polluted water for months. Nevertheless, waste management system is not up to the mark. In the rainy season, the rain water cannot go to right destination. The drains built by City Corporations is filled with wastages. Dustbins where garbage is thrown by individuals should be maintained properly.
Mosquitos feel comfortable to be grown up here in these places. Climate change is also affecting the environment that is also responsible to spread mosquitos- borne diseases. The state has many roles to control Aedes mosquitoes by undertaking cleanliness programs in hand. Creating mass awareness among people might be another preventive measure. To conclude, prime minister herself has to take the responsibility of saving the nation from dengue outbreak by hook or by crook.
Md Mazadul Hoque is a columnist and currently serving at Social Islami Bank Ltd with Certified Expert in Trade Services from BIBM.
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