He said this in his speech as chief guest at the opening ceremony of a workshop titled ‘Strategic Action Plan for Dengue Prevention’ at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital on Monday (September 14).

The minister said August, September and October are the peak period for dengue. Therefore, necessary measures must be taken before the situation worsens further. Although the number of cases and deaths is somewhat lower than at the same time last year, there is no room for complacency.

He said that to tackle dengue, the Local Government and the Ministry of Health, along with all relevant institutions, must work in a coordinated manner. It is not enough to just create action plans; their implementation at the field level must be ensured. Taking preventive measures in advance is more effective than treatment after contracting the disease.

Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan further said that to prevent dengue, local realities, including the history of the disease, the environment and the spread of mosquitoes, must be taken into consideration. Along with modern technology, local experience must also be utilized.

Emphasizing the need to raise public awareness, he said the government is carrying out awareness campaigns across the country. To prevent dengue, everyone must play a responsible role from their own position by involving the public.

The event, presided over by Secretary of the Local Government Division Md. Shahidul Hasan, was attended by Senior Operations Officer of the World Bank's Dhaka office and Project Task Team Leader Iffat Mahmud, along with officials and experts from various relevant organizations.