Western province launches "War on Dengue" task force

A preliminary high-level discussion on formulating an action plan to eradicate the rapidly spreading Chikungunya and Dengue diseases across Sri Lanka’s Western Province was held today at the Governor’s Office.

The meeting was chaired by the Governor of the Western Province, Mr. Hanif Yusuf, and attended by key stakeholders, including the Chief Secretary of the Western Province, the Secretary of the Western Provincial Ministry of Health, the Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government of the Western Provincial Council, the Director of Health Services of the Western Province, senior officials from the Colombo Municipal Council, and representatives from the Sri Lanka Police.

In a significant step towards addressing the public health threat, Governor Yusuf announced the formation of a dedicated task force titled “War on Dengue.” The initiative aims to coordinate and intensify efforts to eliminate both Chikungunya and Dengue in the province.

Mr. L.A. Kalukapuarachchi, Secretary to the Ministry of Health of the Western Provincial Council, has been appointed Chairman of the task force, which will spearhead planning and implementation of disease control measures, community engagement, and enforcement actions.

The Governor emphasized the urgency of collaborative and sustained efforts among all stakeholders to curb the outbreak and protect public health across the region.