Abdul Mali (ninth right), together with (from sixth right) Chieng, Combi Zone 7 chairman Raymond Tiong, SMC councillor for Bukit Assek Marcus Yek and participants showing the thumbs-up after the launch of the task group.
SIBU: The authorities here have declared an all-out war against dengue, seeing that the outbreak has pushed reported cases in this town up by a frightening 448 per cent.
In the first 10 months of this year, 767 cases of dengue fever were registered against 140 reported in the same period last year – an increase of more than five-fold.
The divisional Medical Office is not taking the matter lightly, having engaged with Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) to set up dengue task force groups, namely Communication of Behavioural Impact (Combi), and another Combi of Zone Seven (Bukit Assek), in leading communities to fight the dreadful disease.
Combi Zone Seven launched their awareness and community outreach programme at Central Market here yesterday
Apart from here, the Sibu Medical Office is also moving to Selangau and Kanowit in its effort to contain the spread.
“Although cases in these two hinterland towns have been declining, we are committed to bring them further down,” a spokesperson from the office said.
In the first 10 months of last year, there were 18 and 29 cases in Selangau and Kanowit, respectively, but in the same corresponding period this year, the respective numbers had been 12 and 13.
Joining the team for Combi Zone Seven yesterday morning was acting District officer Abdul Mali, who urged the townsfolk to pull their efforts together in wiping out dengue.
“Dengue outbreak has become a global concern. The mindset of the people must change to win this war (against dengue). Let’s clean our yards and surroundings to destroy potential breeding grounds of (Aedes) mosquitoes.”
On the other hand, Abdul Mali commended Sibu Health Office in setting up Combi task force groups, which he believed was very timely.
Also present SUPP Bukit Assek Youth chief Joseph Chieng.