* ‘Unite Against Dengue’ will call on Sri Lankans to educate themselves and be responsible in averting the disease through early detection and prevention 

Reckitt Benckiser, the global leader in healthcare and hygiene brands has joined hands with Ministry of Health to launch a nation-wide awareness and education drive called “Unite Against Dengue”. The campaign, launched by Dr Palitha Mahipala, Director General, Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medicine, calls for personal action by citizens to protect their families and neighbourhoods against the spread of Dengue. Joining hands in this initiative along with the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medicine is the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) and the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).

The roll-out plan includes a compelling TV commercial shot on location at Negombo base hospital’s dengue treatment unit, considered one of the world’s best facilities for dengue clinical care.

Director General of the Ministry of Health Dr Palitha Mahipala said the number of dengue cases was alarming. “Everyone needs to be alert and work with the authorities to contain the problem,” he stressed.

“We are happy that Reckitt Benckiser has taken the interest and initiative to embark on this education campaign which is much needed, in the effort to minimize spread of Dengue and avoid fatalities.”

Sri Lanka is currently facing a surge of the Dengue epidemic with the number of reported cases so far in 2015 being more than it was last year. Year 2014 recorded the highest number of Dengue cases; 47,000 in Sri Lanka while the number of deaths was less, mostly due to admission at early stages and efficiency and prompt treatment and action in the national hospitals.

Commercial Director of Reckitt Benckiser, Sinclair Crusz said that in partnership with Ministry of Health, they will address the dengue problem systematically. He emphasized that being pro-active is key to mitigating fatalities. “We are happy to jointly carry out ‘Unite Against Dengue’ which will have a long term plan of action too.”

NCDU predicts that the numbers will increase now with the onset of the South-West monsoons. While measures have been taken in hospitals to urgently test and treat patients in a timely manner, lack of awareness in early detection, wrong self treatments and lack of attention to neighborhood cleanliness have become matters of serious concern and increase risks of getting the disease.

Portraying a grim picture the NDCU also notes that citizens are not empowered with adequate knowledge and hence do not feel responsible for cleanliness of surroundings or seek early treatment.

Global leader in health and hygiene products, Reckitt Benckiser in facilitating a disease-free Sri Lanka has been in the forefront of such initiatives and as responsible consumer organization, lives up to their mission by contribution to and involvement in meaningful health-related initiatives.

Photo captions: Director General – Ministry of Health, Dr Palitha Mahipala (second from left) exchanging copies of the agreement with Reckitt Benckiser Country Supply Manager Yoga Senaratne. The others in the picture are (from left) National Dengue Control Unit Director Dr. Hasitha Tissera and  Reckitt Benckiser Senior Brand Manager, Ruchira Money. (Below) Director General, Ministry of Health Dr. Palitha Mahipala (second from left) and Reckitt Benckiser Country Supply Manager Yoga Senaratne sign the agreement while National Dengue Control Unit Director Dr. Hasitha Tissera (extreme left) looks on2