Patuakhali Correspondent:

An awareness seminar and cleanliness drive was organized by the Patuakhali Youth Development Foundation to raise awareness about dengue prevention and keep the environment clean.

The program was organized at 10:30 am on Wednesday at the premises of Sharikhlagi Secondary School in Itbaria Union of Patuakhali Sadar Upazila. The program was presided over by the school's headmaster Abdul Latif Khandaker, and the president of the Youth Development Foundation H. M. Nadim Mahmud was present as the chief guest. The program was conducted by the organization's executive director Tamanna Islam.

At that time, school teachers, members of various levels of the organization, volunteers, local public representatives and local residents were present. The entire program was completed in a festive atmosphere.

The speakers at the seminar said that dengue is a deadly viral disease, which is spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Therefore, destroying mosquito breeding sites is the main way to prevent dengue. The speakers also said that Aedes mosquitoes usually lay eggs in clean water - such as flower pots, abandoned tires, water tanks, broken buckets, water under the refrigerator or AC drain water.

The speakers urged everyone to increase personal and social awareness to prevent dengue. For this, they advised taking preventive measures such as keeping the house and surrounding environment clean, removing stagnant water, not allowing water to accumulate in flower pots or other containers, and using mosquito nets.

At the end of the seminar, a cleanliness drive was conducted with the participation of teachers, students, volunteers and local residents. During this time, drains and sewers in the vicinity were cleaned, dustbins were installed and leaflets were distributed to create public awareness.

The organizers said that if such initiatives continue at every level of society, it will be possible to achieve great success in preventing dengue. At the end of the program, a quiz competition and prizes were distributed among the students.