Red Cross in action: Tackling dengue across communities

‘hen cyclone Ditwah swept across Sri Lanka, communities faced not only the immediate impact of flooding, property damage and displacement but also the heightened risk of disease outbreaks, particularly dengue.

- By ZANITA CAREEM

Medical professionals, Dr Kannangara and Dr Mahesh on the frontline of dengue prevention

A press conference was held recently at the Red Cross Society headquarters, bringing together local health authorities, and disaster management officials to outline coordinated response measures following recent weather-related disruptions and the heightened risk of dengue

At this critical moment, the Red Cross Society in Sri Lanka mobilised its national and local networks to mitigate risks posed by stagnant water. The Red Cross plays a crucial role in preventing outbreaks through community-based interventions, working closely with the Ministry of Health.

With the global expertise and local presence, the Red Cross Society continues to play an indispensable role in Sri Lanka's fight against dengue at this moment,

In the wake of cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka is facing more than flood damages, stagnant water and disrupted sanitation, also facing heightened health and safety challenges across several regions.

To meet these challenges, for the first time since the cyclone, the Sri Lanka. Red Cross Society and National Health authorities came together, sending a unified message that early action is critical.

At a press conference held at Red Cross headquarters, officials outlined the launch of the Simplified Early Action Protocol on Dengue Prevention — a pioneering initiative designed to prevent outbreaks before they occur. Under the Red Cross emblem at its Colombo headquarters, local health officials joined hands with Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to set the tone for an intensified, community level response to dengue and post cyclone health risks.