A two-day workshop [May 19-20] titled "Integrating One Health Approach to Surveillance, Prevention & Control of Dengue in Bangladesh," held at Hotel Radisson Blu in Dhaka.
The workshop featured a series of presentations delivered by global and local health experts from various organisations, including WHO headquarters, WHO Southeast Asia Regional Office, WHO Country Office, CDC, DGHS, HSM, and city corporations, according to a press release issued by WHO on Monday.
The presentations covered a wide range of topics, including the global and regional situation of dengue with a focus on different strategies and best practices recommended by WHO.
There were discussions on the impact of climate change on Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs), observations, and recommendations drawn from previous outbreaks.
An overview of the dengue situation in Bangladesh was provided, detailing implemented measures and targeted interventions for prevention and control. Additionally, there was an analysis of the socioeconomic impact of dengue in Bangladesh.
Presentations also focused on dengue prevention in urban areas, discussing coordinated efforts with DGHS/MoH and outlining the future. These presentations were delivered by representatives from City Corporations.
Following the presentations, an interactive question-and-answer session facilitated robust discussions and the exchange of insights among participants. Subsequently, a two-day group work session was conducted, where five groups were formed to address key issues related to policy, regulation, legislation, surveillance, vector control, service delivery, and risk communication, and community engagement. Each group concentrated on one of these areas, engaging in discussions and strategising solutions during the session.
After the first half of the workshop, an inaugural session was conducted, chaired by Professor Dr Sheikh Daud Adnan, director (Disease Control) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Dr Rokeya Sultana, honorable state minister of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Bangladesh, attended the event as chief guest.
Dr Ahmedul Kabir, additional director general (administration) of the Health Services Division, was present as a special guest.
Dr Bardan Jung Rana, the WHO representative to Bangladesh, also attended the inaugural event as a guest of honour.
Dr Bardan Jung Rana, the WHO representative to Bangladesh, emphasised the imperative of a "Whole of Government approach" for the Dengue control program, particularly in critical areas such as vector control.
This approach necessitates collaboration among various government bodies, including the Ministry of Health, Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD), Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, and other relevant departments. He underscored the significance of commitment to combating dengue and the collective endeavour in constructing a healthier and more resilient Bangladesh for future generations, advocating for the adoption of a holistic approach.
Dr Rokeya Sultana, honourable state minister of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, expressed, "In the face of this challenge, it is imperative that we adopt a holistic and collaborative approach. The One Health approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal health, and environmental factors, highlighting the significance of interdisciplinary cooperation in addressing complex health issues, including Dengue."
During the two-day workshop, experts offered guidance on several critical aspects, including policy, regulation, and legislation; surveillance; vector control; service delivery; and risk communication and community engagement.
This guidance was conveyed through PowerPoint presentations, group work, and panel discussions, aimed at fostering broader multisectoral collaboration using the One Health, Whole Government, and Whole of Society approaches. Representatives from relevant ministries and departments reaffirmed their commitment to "Collaborate, Accelerate, and Innovate to Control Dengue by 2030" as per the national strategic plan.
Bangladesh experienced its highest-ever recorded cases of dengue along with associated fatalities. With 321,179 laboratory-confirmed cases and 1,705 reported deaths, the severity of the situation cannot be overstated.
The case fatality rate doubled from 0.26 per cent in 2018 to 0.53 per cent in 2023, indicating a significant escalation, according to the release.
Initially confined to urban areas and specific seasons, dengue has now spread throughout the entire country, posing a year-round threat.
