A meeting was held on Tuesday, initiated by the Health Department of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), with the aim of raising public awareness on the topic “Use of SIT or Sterile Insect Technology in Integrated Pest Management.”
The chief guest present at the meeting was DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz. The meeting was chaired by DNCC Chief Health Officer Brigadier General Imrul Kayes Chowdhury.
In his speech as the chief guest, DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz said, “Alongside conventional measures, integrating modern technology is extremely important in preventing dengue.”
The administrator further said, “Considering the unique characteristics of Dhaka as one of the largest megacities in the world, various programmes will be implemented with the highest priority given to increasing public awareness for dengue prevention, cleanliness drives, the use of innovative technology, and citizen participation.”
Experts present at the meeting highlighted the effectiveness of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) or sterile insect technology as a modern and scientific solution alongside conventional measures for controlling Aedes mosquitoes.
The discussion informed that through this technology, it is possible to reduce the Aedes mosquito population in a safe, sustainable, and long-term manner without any negative impact on the environment.
The expert team at the meeting presented examples of the successful use of SIT technology in Havana, Cuba, and Valencia, Spain.
The meeting was attended by mosquito control experts and researchers, health experts, entomologists, officials from relevant departments, and representatives from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission.
Participating experts and officials gave various opinions on the feasibility, effectiveness, and future action plans regarding the SIT method.
