Dhaka South launches combing operation in 29 high-risk wards to prevent dengue

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has launched a combing operation in 29 wards identified as high-risk for dengue in a survey conducted by the corporation. The special cleanliness and mosquito-control drive began simultaneously in these wards on Sunday (8 November).

The programme was inaugurated on the day by DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam, a valiant freedom fighter, at the Azimpur Government Quarters (B-type) premises. The combing operation will include special cleanliness and mosquito-eradication drives.

The administrator said that to assess dengue risk and identify Aedes mosquito breeding grounds, a 12-day 'Monsoon Aedes Larva Survey 2026' was conducted in DSCC's 75 wards from 27 September to 8 October. Under the survey, a total of 2,250 houses were inspected using scientific methods.

Thirty-six field workers from DSCC and the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) branch of the Directorate General of Health Services collected the survey data using the modern 'Kobo Toolbox'. The wards were categorised by risk after analysing the survey data and various indices of Aedes mosquito density — the Breteau Index, House Index, Container Index and Pupa Index.

The survey identified 29 of DSCC's 75 wards as high-risk, 28 as medium-risk and 18 as general-risk. Aedes mosquito larvae were found in 322 of the houses inspected. The larvae found were destroyed immediately, and necessary larviciding was carried out.

The survey found that stagnant water in multi-storey and semi-pucca buildings, standalone houses, under-construction buildings and empty plots is one of the main sources of Aedes mosquito breeding.

Based on the survey results, the special combing operation began simultaneously in the 29 high-risk wards from today (Sunday). Under the programme, intensive larviciding and adulticiding, destruction of mosquito breeding grounds, cleaning of drains, canals and sewers, and waste removal are being carried out.

Alongside this, public awareness activities will be conducted through miking, leaflet distribution and mosques. Special cleanliness and mosquito-control drives will also be run in educational institutions and places of worship.

In addition, exchange meetings and joint drives will be conducted involving local public representatives, various institutions and relevant stakeholders. If Aedes larvae are still found anywhere after that, legal action will be taken through mobile courts as needed.

The administrator said the city corporation's efforts alone are not enough to prevent dengue. Alongside government agencies, responsible and active participation by every citizen is essential. People must keep their homes, roofs, balconies, courtyards and workplaces clean, and must not let water stagnate anywhere.

He added that people should make a habit of removing stagnant water at least once a week and destroying potential breeding grounds.

The administrator said the survey showed larvae in 14.21 percent of plastic buckets, 11.22 percent of plastic drums, 9.98 percent of water stored in basements, 9.23 percent of plastic mugs and 5.99 percent of flower tubs. In other words, if citizens are aware about their own courtyards and containers, more than half (50.9 percent) of Aedes mosquito spread and dengue can be prevented at the primary stage itself.

He expressed hope that through everyone's combined efforts, awareness and responsible participation, the risk of dengue and chikungunya can be reduced and a healthy, safe and clean urban environment ensured for city dwellers.

DSCC's chief waste management officer, chief health officer and other senior officials were present at the inaugural event.