The Ministry of Health has taken steps to launch a new community empowerment pilot project from tomorrow (21), aimed at further increasing public participation in dengue control efforts.

The pilot project, which will use communication principles to strengthen community empowerment, is scheduled to be implemented in several selected Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas in the Colombo District.

A key objective of the initiative is to identify new approaches to encourage behavioral changes among the public and improve the effectiveness of dengue control programmes.

As part of the initiative, a survey on behavioral change is also scheduled to be conducted as a new approach to identifying ways to strengthen public participation in dengue prevention activities, according to the Ministry of Health.

The inaugural ceremony of the community empowerment pilot project will be held at 9.00 a.m. tomorrow at the Boralesgamuwa Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Office premises.

The event will be held under the patronage of Director General of Health Services, Specialist Dr. Asela Gunawardena, with Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara, and several other health sector officials expected to participate.

As active public participation is essential alongside government programmes to control dengue, the pilot project is expected to further engage communities in dengue prevention and control efforts.