Week 10 - Elevator Pitch

 Elevator Pitch: Community Mosquito Control Initiative

Problem:

Tan E Jane TP070961

Figure 1: Dengue cases in Klang (Online, 2022)

With the reported case shown, an average of 124 confirmed cases of dengue have been reported weekly in Klang since the start of 2022. Our city is plagued by the Aedes mosquito, which is a carrier of Dengue diseases. These health issues are worsened by stagnant water and lack of education, leading to low public awareness.


Solution:

Chan Hong Yu TP070216

Figure 2: How to Prevent Mosquitoes (Milbrand,L. 2023)

A community comprehensive mosquito control group named “Mosquito-Free Neighbourhood” can be set up. This group will emphasize on the prevention of mosquitoes and actions to be taken by the community. Mosquitoes' traps will be distributed to the community and natural predators of mosquito like fish will also be introduced to eliminate the mosquitoes' larvae. (Marcin, A. 2022) Moreover, educational workshops will also be held so that mosquito breeding can be prevented.


Impact:

Ng Hwee Meng TP071421

Our community mosquito control initiative aims to prevent the breeding of Aedes mosquito. This proactive can not only lower the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and Zika. but also, can build a more comfortable community for everyone. Moreover, this measure can create a mosquito-free community, providing a healthier environment especially for the vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and the elderly (Why We Aim to Create a Mosquito-Free Community, 2023). It also encourages community participation and raises the awareness about the importance of public health.

 

Call to Action:

Sehneel Ansari binti Naeem Ahmed Ansari TP072191

Let's transform our community together! Join the "Mosquito-Free Neighborhood" initiative and be a hero in the fight against dengue. Together, we can build a healthier, safer future for everyone. Get involved today and make a lasting impact!


Chart:

Lim Chee Yee TP070501

Figure 3:  Number of dengue cases by year 1973 – 2013 (Gill, 2017)

 

Figure 4: Number of dengue cases and deaths by state in 2013 (Gill,2017)

The World Health Organization (WHO) classified dengue in 2012 as the most important and rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease globally. Since the 1950s, annual dengue cases have significantly increased, with up to 3.6 billion people now living in areas at risk. Each year, approximately 50-200 million dengue infections, 500,000 severe cases, and over 20,000 deaths occur. The spread of dengue is linked to the presence of Aedes mosquitoes, urbanization, poverty, inadequate public health infrastructure, poor waste management, and increased international travel. In Malaysia, dengue is primarily an urban issue due to the prevalence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor report the highest case numbers. Factors like urban population growth, poor waste management, and modern transportation have contributed to the disease's rise. Dengue epidemics occur every 5-8 years, with a notable increase since 2001. In 2013, Malaysia reported 43,346 cases, with Selangor having the highest incidence rate. By 2014, cases surged to 108,698 with 215 deaths. Preventive measures focus on eliminating mosquito breeding sites through source reduction, involving regular cleaning and covering water containers. Community participation is crucial, alongside personal protection methods such as long-sleeved clothing, repellents, screens, nets, and insecticides (Gill, 2017).


References:

Online, S. (2022, September 14). Dengue cases in Klang district up by nearly 186%. The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2022/09/15/dengue-cases-in-klang-district-up-by-nearly-186

Why We Aim to Create a Mosquito-Free Community | mrmrMr. Mister Mosquito Control. (2023, July 15). https://www.mrmr.biz/aim-create-mosquito-free/

Dr Balvinder Singh Gill. (2017, February 17). History and Epidemiology of Dengue - DENGGI. DENGGI. http://denggi.myhealth.gov.my/history-and-epidemiology-of-dengue/?lang=en

 

 


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