Pa (front, second left) presents a token of appreciation to Dr Teh during the courtesy call.
SIBU: The divisional Health Office here welcomes the efforts by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in helping to control the spread of dengue.
Sibu Health officer Dr Teh Jo Hun told reporters this after receiving a courtesy call by Persatuan Lung-Si, Sibu, led by its president Elijah Pa Tiew Hua, at the former’s office here yesterday.
Dr Teh said the association had come to his office to propose for the setting up of a community NGO that would help to raise awareness of dengue and how to prevent it.
“For example, to search for potential Aedes breeding grounds and getting rid of the mosquitoes,” he said.
He encouraged other NGOs to come forward and collaborate with the divisional Health Office to fight the dengue menace by holding awareness campaigns and health talks with the community.
In saying that the dengue situation in Sibu was under control and that there were no hotspots or severe outbreak, Dr Teh also reminded residents to ensure that their house would be free from Aedes mosquitoes and their breeding grounds. Dr Teh said the divisional Health Office would provide technical advice as well as health promotion materials to any NGO needing them.
On the dengue situation in zone seven here, he said there were only few cases.
There were no fatalities recorded in the division thus far this year, he added.
Dr Teh also emphasised on the importance of collective efforts to keep dengue in check in Sibu.