Regardless of the accuracy of the statistical data that is released by the Health Ministry o­n dengue, the epidemic is real. The ministry should be more accountable to the taxpaying public. It should release such information to the public as it is vital to their health.

Denying the truth will not help the situation. In just six months, I have come across a few of my friends and family members coming down with dengue. The hospital beds are filling up with patients suffering from fever, rashes, and dehydration. The already over-worked nurses are overwhelmed by the number of patients who need endless testings. This of course translates to minimal health-care provided to patients. I can say this with authority because my brother-in-law who was admitted to hospital was ignored by the nurses when he called for help to stop his nose from bleeding.

The campaign of spraying insecticide in the housing area is useful but not quite effective. The breeding ground for mosquitos is not confined to housing areas. There are other fertile grounds, the most obvious of which are the open storm drains that are clogged with garbage. The logical thing to do here is to clear the drains and then cover it. This also reduces flash floods in our city.

To ensure the success of this campaign against dengue, it must be made known to the public and also involve them. The public must be educated o­n how to keep their premises clean.

This is o­nly part of the solution. I am sure that our capable government officials will be able to come up with more plans to keep our citizens safe and healthy.