MMA Suggests Government Provide Free Abate To Prevent Dengue

BERNAMA 

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) today suggested that the government provide abate free to all clinics, even those in the private sector, for distribution to the people as a means of preventing dengue.

MMA president Datuk Dr N.K.S. Tharmaseelan said the abate must be given out to all households and should be available at all health clinics.

"The government is giving out so many handouts and aid to Malaysians. This is one thing they should be doing and, if funds are enough, it should be made available in all government departments, especially post offices," he said in a statement.

Abate is a potent larvicide based on the active ingredient temephos that effectively manages a broad spectrum of nuisance and disease-causing insects, such as mosquitoes.

Dr Tharmaseelan pointed out that the government also should provide incentives and funds to non-governmental organisations to encourage them to organise 'gotong-royong' (self-help) clean-up on monthly basis, especially in dengue-prone areas.

He said the people also must assist the district councils and the state governments in playing a major role in the prevention of dengue, which could cause a big loss financially in health costs in addition to loss of precious lives.

"The community must spur clean-up activities in dengue-prone areas to reduce the increasing number of dengue cases in Malaysia annually," he said.