KATHMANDU, July 16: The government has declared the Nepali month of Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August) as Dengue Awareness Month. The announcement was made on Wednesday through a formal event.
As dengue-carrying mosquitoes begin to increase from Shrawan and remain active until Kartik (mid-November), the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) under the Department of Health Services stated that awareness campaigns will be conducted from the start of Shrawan to inform citizens at all levels.
Vibrant month of colors: Shrawan (with video)
According to the EDCD, the campaign will involve all three levels of government, all ministries, and the participation of members of parliament. As part of the campaign, every Friday will be observed as “Clean Friday”, where all public institutions and agencies will be mobilized to clean and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
The second initiative, “One hour a week keeps dengue away”, will mobilize communities to search for and destroy mosquito larvae. It will also include discussions and advocacy efforts at the federal, provincial, and local levels on strategies and activities necessary for dengue control.
In addition, door-to-door campaigns in each ward will be conducted using posters and media to raise awareness about the risks, symptoms, and prevention of dengue.
