The Directorate of Education (DoE) has directed the heads of all schools under its jurisdiction to involve students in preventing and controlling the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue and chikungunya.
Circular sent to schools
In a circular sent to all schools, the DoE said, “It is the responsibility of the community to ensure that there are no mosquito-breeding sites on and around their premises and community awareness, participation and involvement are the key strategies to ensue this.”
It said that students should be trained in identification of Aedes mosquito and destroying its breeding places through intensive information, education and communication.
“Involving students is of great importance in awareness creating activities as they can act as ambassadors to spread information and messages for prevention and control of vector-borne diseases,” reads the circular.
Heads of schools have been asked to start with sensitising students during morning assembly and parent-teacher meetings regarding mosquitogenic diseases, pasting a list of dos and don’ts on notice boards, organising drawing and quiz competitions, and encouraging students to wear clothes that cover their arms and legs.
Students have been asked to ensure that water contained in potted plants, coolers, condemned items lying in the open are changed and storage tanks have lids. Head boys and head girls have been asked to depute and supervise teams of students to check and ensure that stagnant water is removed from school premises and surrounding areas.
