Nationwide Initiative Launched to Curb Mosquito Population
Photo: President’s Office
The government has unveiled a nationwide program to curb mosquito populations, in response to the discovery of Filariasis cases in the Maldives.
Health authorities identified 32 individuals from India and two from Bangladesh who tested positive for Filariasis during medical screening camps.
Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, confirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the issue through a nationwide initiative aimed at decontaminating mosquito breeding locations. The campaign, which commenced today, is a collaborative effort involving various government bodies, including island councils.
Minister Shareef highlighted partnerships with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, and the Ministry of Defense. The anti-mosquito campaign taskforce in the Greater Malé region includes the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO), the Maldives Police Service, and the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF).
Concurrently, Urbanco has launched the ‘Filariain Rakkaa’ (Protection from Filariasis) campaign, focusing on 12 zones in Hulhumalé. Designated zone leaders will lead teams to survey and assess potential mosquito breeding grounds, implementing preventive measures.
Filariasis is a chronic mosquito-borne parasitic infection, transmitted by the Culex pipiens mosquito commonly found in unsanitary or congested waters. The parasites, transmitted through chronic mosquito bites, populate within the host’s blood, causing Filariasis.