DENGUE cases in Malaysia dropped by 75% in the first six months of this year, compared to the same period last year, according to Health Minister Dr Adham Baba.

The minister said deaths from dengue plummeted 91% during this timeframe.

In terms of statistics, Adham said there were 12,188 dengue cases and eight deaths this year, compared to 45,584 cases and 84 deaths last year.

“Although the country is still grappling with Covid-19, combating the dengue fever threat must continue because it is an endemic disease that has long been a burden to Malaysia’s public health system,” he said in a statement in conjunction with Asean Dengue Day today.

Adham said the day, celebrated on June 15 each year since 2011, aimed to establish an advocacy platform, including among the community, to eradicate dengue in a continuous and integrated manner.

This year, for 10 Minutes to Destroy Aedes, he urged the people to spend at least 10 minutes cleaning their surroundings and destroying Aedes breeding grounds each week at their respective premises.

“During the movement control order (MCO), as people spend more time at home, they must take this opportunity to ensure that it is free from Aedes breeding spots,” he said.

Adham said dengue prevention efforts were also boosted through the involvement of Communication For Behavioural Impact (Combi) volunteers nationwide.

The Combi volunteers carry out promotional activities to eradicate dengue using new approaches such as through social media. As of May 31, there was a total of 3,084 Combi teams involving of 28,381 volunteers. – Bernama, June 15, 2021.