466 Dengue cases reported from WP within a week
Director of the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) – Dr. Kapila Kannangara, stated that a total of 466 dengue cases have been reported exclusively in the Western Province within a week’s time.Dr. Kannangara noted that 263 cases had been reported in Colombo, 146 in Gampaha, and 57 in Kalutara, while cases were reported in Jaffna (36), Kurunegala (26), Ratnapura (68), and Kegalle (20).
He warned that cases may rise with the upcoming Northeast monsoon and urged the public to maintain clean surroundings to prevent the spread of dengue.He made this statement while attending the official launch of the Simplified Early Action Protocol (sEAP) for the Dengue Prevention program on Dec. 11.
The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the NDCU of the Ministry of Health (MoH), has reportedly launched the sEAP.
This marks the world’s first dengue-specific sEAP, introducing a transformative shift from reactive disaster response to proactive, anticipatory public health interventions in Sri Lanka.The 02-year sEAP initiative, implemented from July 2025 to June 2027, will focus on 05 high-risk districts: Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Jaffna, and Kandy.
The sEAP framework for dengue prevention is implemented in 02 phases.The first phase focuses on preventive measures before dengue risk escalates. Coordinated meetings between the NDCU and the Ministry of Health ensure institutional readiness and proper mapping of high-risk areas.Through community engagement and proactive actions, the program aims to minimize the overall impact of dengue, reduce hospitalizations and deaths, and protect children from outbreaks.
