Govt. to bring BTI bacteria to control dengue: Dr. Jayatissa

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

The government is in discussions with the Cuban government to launch a sustainable programme aimed at eradicating the dengue menace from the country.   

Addressing the media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the dengue eradication programme with Cuba has been a subject of discussion and debate for a long time.   

A dengue eradication initiative will be launched by the Health Ministry as soon as the water levels have fully subsided.   

The government is planning to import BTI bacteria samples from Cuba to help control the dengue mosquito larvae.   

Dr. Jayatissa explained that while using BTI bacteria cannot completely eradicate the dengue problem, it is an effective method for controlling it. He also mentioned that the government is working to secure the BTI bacteria as a donation from Cuba.