Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Sarah Jane Lebrasse
Published on 2024-02-23 04:00:28
Speaking on Saturday at the New Cancer Hospital in Solférino, the interim Prime Minister, Steven Obeegadoo, assured that the government was doing its best to prevent the spread of the dengue epidemic in the country.
“Mauritius is facing a dengue epidemic, and on February 7, 2024, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth presided over the first coordination meeting with relevant stakeholders to lead an effective response to tackle this health challenge,” he said.
Just a few hours before, Steven Obeegadoo had chaired the inter-ministerial committee responsible for coordinating actions to prevent the proliferation of dengue cases in Mauritius. Attending this multisectoral meeting were the Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar Husnoo, the Minister of Social Integration Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo, the Minister of Agro-Industry Mahen Seeruttun, the Minister of Labour Soodesh Callichurn, the Minister of Health Kailesh Jagutpal, the WHO representative in Mauritius, Dr Anne Marie Ancia, and various stakeholders from ministries and local authorities.
Steven Obeegadoo explained that the objectives of the second multisectoral meeting were “to review the situation and the evolution of the epidemic, to review the health protocol related to dengue, to discuss measures taken across the country by ministries and authorities to control and combat the spread of the disease, and to launch a public awareness campaign.” He also added that the assistance of the private sector would be sought in this fight and emphasized the need for everyone’s contribution for a more effective response to this dengue epidemic.
For his part, Kailesh Jagutpal stated that there were “over 600 active cases of dengue in Mauritius. Some patients are hospitalized.” Regarding medical care for patients, he emphasized that “the required protocol for patient surveillance is implemented in all hospitals, while home surveillance units have been set up to take care of patients at their homes.”
Kailesh Jagutpal reiterated the anti-vector control activities, including cleaning, larvicides, and fogging, carried out across the island. He emphasized the importance of this inter-ministerial committee “in the effective coordination of actions and information between the various partners and organizations to effectively combat the spread of the virus.”
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
