Minister of Children and Women’s Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj has called on parents to ensure preschool children wear clothing that covers their arms and legs to reduce the risk of dengue mosquito bites amid the ongoing rise in dengue cases.
Speaking at a media briefing held today (13) at the Department of Government Information to mark National Early Childhood Week, the Minister stressed the importance of taking preventive measures to safeguard young children.
Her appeal follows the recent decision by the Ministry of Education to permit schoolchildren to wear clothing that provides greater protection against mosquito bites as part of dengue prevention efforts.
Minister Paulraj urged parents to adopt similar precautions for preschool children by dressing them in suitable protective clothing before sending them to preschool.
She also encouraged the use of child-safe mosquito repellents where appropriate and advised parents to take all necessary steps to minimise children’s exposure to mosquito bites.
The Minister noted that educational institutions remain vulnerable to the spread of dengue and warned that the coming two weeks are expected to be particularly critical, urging parents and caregivers to remain alert and vigilant.
