Over 48,000 mosquito control committees exist only in paperwork

More than 48,000 committees established to combat mosquitoes across Bangladesh are functioning only on paper, according to findings that reveal a critical disconnect in the country's disease control infrastructure. These committees, which were formed at various administrative levels to coordinate dengue and other mosquito-borne disease prevention efforts, exist primarily as administrative entities without meaningful ground-level activity.

The existence of these non-functional committees highlights systemic challenges in translating government directives into practical public health measures. Despite their establishment, the committees have failed to organize regular cleaning drives, surveillance operations, or community awareness campaigns that are essential to controlling mosquito populations and preventing disease outbreaks.

Public health officials have acknowledged the problem, pointing to insufficient resources, unclear role definitions, and lack of accountability mechanisms as contributing factors to the committees' ineffectiveness. The situation underscores the need for urgent restructuring and capacity-building initiatives to ensure that disease control infrastructure translates into tangible health interventions.

With dengue cases continuing to pose a significant public health threat in Bangladesh, particularly during monsoon seasons, the revival of these committees and their transformation into functioning units has become increasingly critical. Experts recommend focused training programs, adequate budget allocation, and clear performance indicators to revitalize mosquito control efforts at the grassroots level.