Alumni Take Action to Raise Dengue Awareness in Batticaloa District

The 'dengue epidemic' is a major concern in Sri Lanka, being identified as a deadly disease. In the last 12 months of 2018, there were 51,659 suspected dengue cases reported to all disease control units across the island. However, November of that year saw the identification of the largest risk yet, with 73,601 suspected cases reported.

This danger is at risk of spreading to other parts of the Eastern Province, particularly Batticaloa, as the monsoon rains have begun and the spread of dengue fever intensifies.

In response to this growing threat, Eastern Universities alumni have come together to take action. Their first initiative was launched on November 22nd, 2019 in the areas of Batticaloa district that are most affected by the epidemic.

The alumni's primary goal is to raise awareness among students and the broader community about the dangers of dengue fever. As part of the project's first phase, we targeted schools in Pahlukamam, Thikodai, Tumpankeni, and Nudadithivu. In the second phase, we expanded their efforts to Karadianar School, with the help of teachers and principals. They distributed printed pamphlets containing information on how to prevent dengue fever.

The alumni's efforts have been entirely voluntary, and we express our sincere gratitude to all the former students of BC who have generously contributed to this project.