A special national dengue prevention week has been declared by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, covering 74 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions from November 9 to November 14, 2026.
Announced by Senior Assistant Secretary (News and Publicity) Lakshmendra Damayanthakumara Tennakoon on behalf of the Ministry, the initiative aims to combat potential epidemic risks indicated by recent patient trends, entomological indices and changing weather patterns. Although initially scheduled for November 2 to 7, the programme was rescheduled due to adverse weather conditions.
The nationwide campaign is organized in collaboration with the National Dengue Control Unit, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, the Sri Lanka Police, the Tri-Forces and volunteer organizations. Key activities during the week include coordinating MOH divisions, deploying joint inspection teams, destroying breeding grounds in abandoned premises, conducting dedicated cleanup drives in schools, pirivenas, universities and religious sites and monitoring daily operations through an operations room.
Dr. Kapila Kannangara, Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, noted that continuous monitoring of entomological indices and patient reporting is underway. Media institutions have been urged to give the initiative wide publicity and share prevention awareness with the public. (Newswire)