CCC, Doctors Without Borders join hands to combat dengue in Chattogram

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to bolster dengue prevention, preparedness, and response efforts across the port city.

The agreement was signed by CCC Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, MSF Country Director Jason Mills, and Country Chief for Health Dr Carmenza Galvez yesterday. The collaboration aims to address the rising public health threat posed by dengue, which has become a year-round concern in Chattogram.

Dengue has placed a significant strain on Chattogram’s healthcare infrastructure in recent years. The 2023 nationwide epidemic, which claimed 1,705 lives, highlighted critical gaps in early detection and vector control.

Dr Matthew Coldiron, director of the Manson Unit at MSF UK, noted that Chattogram is a critical setting for such action due to its vulnerability to climate change, which directly impacts the spread of climate-sensitive diseases like dengue.

“By adopting a systematic approach covering vector control to clinical management, we aim to maximise impact and strengthen the overall response,” he said.

Under the partnership, CCC and MSF will implement a comprehensive six-pillar strategy including strengthening measures to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, early detection of case clusters to prevent outbreaks, increasing community awareness and engagement, training for local health workers, improving urban response strategies and promoting sustainable health policies.

CCC Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain expressed his appreciation for the initiative: "Dengue remains a growing concern for our city dwellers. We believe this collaborative framework with MSF will contribute meaningfully to prevention and long-term health system resilience."

The activities will be implemented in close coordination with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and other local stakeholders to ensure sustainable impact.