As the death toll and hospitalisations due to dengue continue to surge, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) is active across the country to address the escalating outbreak.

Meanwhile, the two Dhaka city corporations are also implementing measures to combat the alarming rise in dengue cases and fatalities in the capital.

The BDRCS, in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), is taking urgent measures to combat the spread of the mosquito-borne disease and providing much-needed support to affected communities, reads a press release.

To address the crisis, more than 150 BDRCS volunteers trained in Epidemic Control for Volunteers and Community-Based Health and First Aid are mobilised to address this health emergency," it said.

One of the major concerns is the shortage of concentrated platelet supplies, given the significant increase in dengue cases. The BDRCS, with its nationwide blood bank system, is ensuring continuous support to meet the rising demand.

The Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College and Hospital has admitted and treated 714 dengue patients as of July 25, with 220 patients still receiving medical care.

In addition, BDRCS Chattogram Blood Bank distributed 462 concentrated platelets this year, while BDRCS Dhaka Blood Bank distributed 1,561 concentrated platelets.

"Our dedicated volunteers are working to disseminate vital awareness messages and distribute necessary resources to support public health services," said Kazi Shofiqul Azam, secretary general of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.

"To further strengthen the dengue response operation of BDRCS in Bangladesh, IFRC has launched a Disaster Response Emergency Fund to concentrate efforts on the most affected major cities, including Dhaka, Chattogram and Barishal," said Sanjeev Kafley, head of IFRC Bangladesh Delegation.

COMIC BOOKS FOR AWARENESS

Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam distributed a comic book titled "Mosquito Bites Harmful" to school students yesterday. The book is a Bangla translation of a book distributed among children in Miami Dade County, USA.

It contains awareness quotes and relevant illustrations.

Meanwhile, the two Dhaka city corporations yesterday fined owners of 44 establishments as part of their month-long anti-dengue drive.

During the drive, DNCC and DSCC collected a total of Tk 6.26 lakh in fines from 24 places where mosquito larvae were found.