Change mindsets first to lick dengue problem
The Government has expressed concern about the increase in dengue
transmission but this has yet to result in efficient control
programmes.
There must be a heightened awareness and full public participation
in vector control and preventative efforts. This can only be
achieved through constant training, health education, community and
intersectoral participation.
Every school, polytechnic, university, government and statutory
board must form its own dengue prevention groups.
The Dengue Prevention Volunteer Group of Aljunied-Kembangan Zone 2
(RC) was formed in November 1999. Since then, we had met obstacles
created by an insipid Residents' Committee administration.
The RC has failed to realign itself to meet the changing needs of
its residents. Creativity is viewed as dissent. This makes it
difficult for subordinates to contribute ideas or develop
plans.
Notice boards can serve as a focal point for the dissemination of
information. This, when well displayed, will attract people's
attention.
I wrote to the Town Council some time ago requesting one for
environmental purposes, especially on dengue.
I thought the common areas under void decks were managed by the
Aljunied Town Council but was I mistaken. It told me to contact the
Peoples' Association, which is the controlling body. I did just
that but to my disappointment, I did not get a reply.
The National Environment Agency was willing to provide us with very
artistic and educational materials whenever I needed them. In fact,
it has given us solid support in our efforts to spread the dengue
awareness message. A great partnership is in place.
Aljunied-Kembangan Zone 2 has more than thirty notice boards, some
half empty, others empty. Yet, I had to face such a dilemma. So
much for cooperation and coordination!
During one of our Senior Citizens' monthly gatherings, our
dengue-prevention group arranged with the NEA to give a talk on
dengue awareness.
Officials from the People's Association and the Constituency Office
thought it to be a value-added event. An additional $50 was
approved for the RC to dispense refreshment. The turnout was more
than eighty people.
This was turned down by the RC at the last minute, leaving some
residents without refreshments. Even a walkabout with our advisor
was aborted at short notice. No reason was given.
It is ironic that money spent for dinner after an MP's walkabout is
never questioned. I hope the PA could tell the RC what exactly is
the vision and mission of the Residents' Committee.
I imagine a basic ingredient of good leadership is to communicate
and motivate. After all, we are just volunteers trying to promote
neighbourliness, harmony and cohesiveness among the residents of
our zone.
The only consolation our dengue-prevention group has is knowing
that Lorong Ah Soo Zone 2 is not listed on the dengue hot spot
list.
Our constant surveillance and willingness to engage residents have
provided some results. We shall continue to cultivate the best
network to garner people's support in making our estate clean,
green and dengue-free.
To meet the challenges ahead, the following areas have to be
closely monitored:
- Power stations which are locked and fenced up;
- Vacant state land: a horrendous mosquito breeding site;
- Bamboo pole-holders in HDB estates;
- Landscaping: avoid plants with large leaf axils;
- Grass cutters who blow cut grass into drains and clogging them
up;
- Vacant HDB flats and private properties: house owners and housing
agents must do their part to maintain them;
- Litter;
- Fogging: how competent are the pest control operators?
Indiscriminate fogging by untrained personnel endangers the
environment and residents.
- Insecticides: resistance in mosquito population;
- Increased movement of human population within and between
countries;
- Zones within constituencies: in many instances, a street
demarcates them. If one zone is napping, it causes problems for
others as mosquitoes are found within 25 metres of their breeding
sites.
- Everyone must be able to identify the Aedes mosquitoes, with
their black and white stripes on the body and legs.
Unless there is a behavioral change at the individual, household
and community levels, the dengue situation may not improve.
The maxim should be 'Detect and destroy - No mosquito, no
dengue'.
Henry C W Suriya
DPVG Team Leader
Aljunied-Kembangan Zone 2