We cannot fight dengue without data

As the monsoon season approaches, our dengue preparedness remains frustratingly inadequate. Despite repeated warnings from public health experts, no initiative has yet been taken to conduct the nationwide entomological surveys that are essential for identifying Aedes mosquito breeding hotspots and preventing outbreaks before they begin. Dengue continues to pose a serious public health threat, with six deaths and 3,307 cases recorded between January 1 and June 1 this year. Last year, it claimed 413 lives and hospitalised more than one lakh people. While the government has announced a range of treatment-related measures this year, which is appreciable, the lack of surveillance remains a major concern.

Among the measures announced by the government, particularly notable are the directives requiring private hospitals to reserve at least 10 percent of their beds for dengue patients free of charge and to offer discounts of up to 80 percent on diagnostic tests. Establishing dengue corners at upazila health complexes, preparing field hospitals, and expanding treatment facilities are also important steps. However, experts have long stressed that the most effective way to reduce dengue infections and deaths is to prevent mosquito breeding before the outbreak season begins. Without this, the number of dengue patients could rise sharply during the monsoon, placing immense pressure on the healthcare system. Entomological surveys provide the evidence needed to identify high-risk areas and guide targeted interventions.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) previously conducted regular pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon surveys under a sector-wide health programme. However, following the programme’s expiry and the resulting funding gap, these activities came to a halt, which is very concerning. The apparent lack of clarity over which institution should be responsible for mosquito surveillance is equally worrying. Although Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) conducted a limited survey within its jurisdiction, it has yet to publish the findings. However, similar surveys are not currently being conducted in other parts of the country.

To strengthen dengue prevention, the government must urgently restore funding for entomological surveillance and ensure that surveys are conducted regularly across the country. These surveys should be based on representative sampling and cover high-risk, low-risk, and emerging transmission areas. A comprehensive surveillance system incorporating baseline, sentinel, and hotspot monitoring is needed to generate reliable data for decision-making. At the same time, institutional responsibilities must be clearly defined, and coordination among health authorities, local governments, and city corporations strengthened. Survey findings should be made public promptly and translated into targeted mosquito-control measures before infections begin to surge. The government must also closely monitor the implementation of its directives and ensure that all announced initiatives are carried out effectively.