Buzzing battle: Bangkok unites businesses to combat dengue fever

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Department of Disease Control (DDC) are actively collaborating with businesses to combat the rising incidence of dengue fever, a situation exacerbated by the expanding range of dengue-carrying mosquitoes due to climate change.

To commemorate ASEAN Dengue Day, which occurs on June 15, BMA and DDC, in partnership with Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Takeda (Thailand) Limited, and other corporate entities, organised an event titled Dengue Heroes towards Zero Death.

Held at the Airawat Pattana building within the City Hall complex in Din Daeng, the event aimed to bolster the World Health Organization’s (WHO) objective of eliminating dengue-related deaths by 2030.

Residents were encouraged to implement measures to protect their communities from the spread of dengue, including maintaining proper sanitation and ensuring effective drainage to prevent Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from breeding.

Participants received crucial information, particularly regarding the importance of these measures during the El Nino phenomenon, which typically results in shorter but more intense rain, creating stagnant pools of clean water ideal for mosquito breeding.

From January to May this year, almost 30,000 dengue fever cases were reported, with 29 fatalities. The DDC anticipates this number could rise to as many as 280 by the end of the year.

DDC Director-General Thongchai Keeratihatthayakorn emphasised the critical role of public involvement in disrupting the dengue transmission cycle.

“By becoming dengue heroes in their communities, everyone can help.”

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, speaking at the event, highlighted the city’s proactive measures to curb the disease’s spread. These include active surveillance, eradication of breeding sites, and community engagement.

The 58 year old remarked that our goal is to ensure everyone in the community is informed and vigilant.

The Embassy of Japan in Thailand, the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, Amata Plc, and CP ALL Plc also lent their support to the event, reported Bangkok Post.