Proactive steps necessary to control communicable diseases

– Virakesari Editorial

(September 10, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) It is well known that communicable diseases spread when the climate is bad. It can be noted that these diseases spread following heavy rains.

Thousands of people who displaced sequel to the military operations live in a poor plight without basic facilities such as clean drinking water. Providing these amenities is a challenge.

UN has warned that there is threat of diseases spreading in the areas such as Killinochchi, Mannar and Mullaithevu districts. World Health Organization says that this danger has arisen due to the closure of roads resulting in dearth of food and medical items and medical staff.

People are displaced and are living without basic facilities as a result of the war. In this situation, there are heavy showers in those areas. Therefore, there is a threat of diseases spreading in these areas and proper medicines may be required to prevent it.

Medical services have also been affected badly. Hospitals have been paralyzed and there is a dearth for medicines.

Therefore proactive steps should be taken to ensure the health of the displaced. People will face sufferings due to the infectious diseases. International NGO’s and World Health Organization should come forward to provide all possible help to the affected.

(An English translation of the Editorial in Virakesari, a Tamil daily, based in Colombo.) - Sri Lanka Guardian