The country’s dengue control efforts have faced a serious setback amidst a surge in infections, with Grama Niladhari trade unions warning that the government’s failure to address their longstanding grievances could force its members to withdraw from dengue prevention activities from tomorrow (June 30).

The warning came as the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) reported that 31 dengue-related deaths so far this year, with the number of infections exceeding 51,000 cases.

According to the latest NDCU data collected on June 25 and 26, a total of 51,049 dengue cases have been reported across the country this year, with 17,208 cases recorded in June alone. The  fatality rate currently stands at 0.06 per cent of reported infections.

The highest number of dengue cases has been reported from the Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Eastern provinces, while 124 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions have been identified as high-risk dengue transmission areas.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Grama Niladhari National Association and other Grama Niladhari and Disaster Management officers’ unions have announced a nationwide trade union action from tomorrow, citing unresolved issues relating to allowances and facilities required to perform their duties.

National Organiser of the  Grama Niladhari Officers’ Trade Union Alliance , Buddhika Rangana, said the unions had not received a satisfactory response from the government regarding their demands, including the provision of an adequate fuel allowance to cover official travel expenses.

He said the industrial action was being launched at a critical time when dengue was spreading rapidly, with red notices issued for 538 Grama Niladhari divisions identified as high-risk areas.

“If this trade union action goes ahead on June 30, we will unfortunately have to withdraw even from dengue control duties,” Rangana warned.

The unions urged the government to take immediate steps to resolve their grievances, warning that a disruption of Grama Niladhari services could adversely affect ongoing dengue prevention campaigns, including field inspections, awareness programmes and mosquito breeding site control activities.

by Chaminda Silva ✍️