Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned to step up public awareness campaigns and strengthen coordination among government agencies to prevent and control dengue.

He gave the directives at a meeting on dengue prevention and control at the Cabinet Division of Secretariat, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

The Prime Minister said the next few months would be crucial for controlling dengue and asked all relevant government agencies to work together to prevent its spread.

He stressed the need to strengthen preventive measures, particularly in areas reporting higher numbers of dengue infections.

The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of public participation in dengue prevention.

He directed the authorities concerned to arrange regular announcements in neighbourhoods using loudspeakers and include dengue prevention messages in Juma prayer sermons.

The meeting also decided to ensure cleanliness at government residential quarters and hospital premises.

fIt underscored the need to strengthen coordination among the ministries concerned, divisions and agencies to make dengue prevention efforts more effective.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hussain, State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhit, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam and Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton attended the meeting.

Secretaries and senior officials of the relevant ministries were also present.