Arming students with knowledge to fight dengue as the epidemic continues to claim over 325 lives in Sri Lanka

03/08/2017 – Colombo, Sri Lanka: As the dengue epidemic continues to claim lives in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society in partnerships with the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has increased activities aimed at combating dengue epidemic in the island. As of now over 327 people have lost their lives while over 119, 773 have contracted the disease.

Accordingly one of the areas of focus is to educate children and provide the knowledge and support needed to ensure that they are aware of the disease and more importantly how they can provide support to curb the crisis.

An activity took place at the Koluwila Gamini Maha Vidyalaya in Sedawatta, Kolonnawa one of the worst affected areas in the Colombo district. Here the Red Cross provided support to create a “School Dengue Eradication Circle” which will be led by the students to ensure that their environment is clean and free of dengue. This programme will be duplicated in various other schools in the district that has been identified as dengue prone areas.

Addressing gathering the Deputy Director General of Sri Lanka Red Cross Sudath Madugalle said that activities like this are a novel approach to the Red Cross and its commitment towards ensuring that the society continues to assist communities that are vulnerable at all times.

According to this programme, students are responsible for ensuring that the environment premises are cleaned and free of dengue. The members of the circle must go inspect the area every day and provide a report to the Headmaster by the end of the week as to whether they have managed to keep the school clean and free of dengue. They are also encouraged to do the same at their homes and to make sure that they spread the word of eradicating dengue to everyone.

Today all students and volunteers engaged in cleaning the school environment.

Meanwhile steps were also taken to provide certification to the students who were taking part in the project.