A special programme to combat dengue through ‘communication for behavioral impact’ (COMBI) shows success when it can raise prevention awareness among the targeted community.
As of July this year, there are 224 COMBI teams involving the participation of 2,011 volunteers throughout Perak.
Executive Councillor for Health, Science and Environment, Mohd. Akmal Kamarudin said, however, the participation of more COMBI volunteers in a locality is needed to mobilise dengue prevention and control activities.
“The local community, too, has to play their role.
“The effectiveness of COMBI can be improved with the cooperation and involvement of the community. Localities with COMBI are able to maintain their outbreak-free status and avoid being a hotspot should an outbreak occur,” he said.
He mentioned it at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here today (August 27).
Mohd. Akmal said that apart from dengue prevention and control, the COMBI community is now also involved in the vaccination programmes in their respective areas, as well as activities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“However, they have yet to be actively mobilised as we are worried about the risk of infection due to rising cases in Perak,” he added.
In the meantime, he said, the Perak State Health Department, through the cooperation of the state government, has taken productive measures in eliminating the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes.
“This includes fogging and larviciding activities to prevent and kill larvae, besides gotong-royong activities involving the community,” he said.
Rosli Mansor
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