I am sure that those responsible for monitoring emerging epidemics in the country must have realized by now that there is a significant increase in the number of cases of Dengue and Viral Fever in the past few months. The biggest hospital in Male' is overflowing with admission, with some families making decisions to have their loved ones flown to neighboring Srilanka for admission rather than wait in the Emergency Room for days.

Yet, I fail to see, or hear of, a public health campaign to help control the spread of the illnesses. I accept that there isn't a lot that can be done to control the spread of Viral fever, but for Dengue Fever a revival of the vector control program could see much benefit.

Last year, with the general public in Male' and the different islands running the campaign themselves, clearing mosquito breeding spaces, we saw an expected Dengue epidemic averted. This year need not be different. However, we always see concerned people waiting for fatalities to make headlines before taking any action. The cost of inaction has always been greatest on the most vulnerable of our population, our kids. More than any other segment of our population, children have fallen victim to these sometimes, but unpredictably, deadly disease.

I take this opportunity to call on the concerned authorities at the Health Ministry and the Department of Public Health to revive the vector control program and other public health measures to prevent a disaster. Please, politics aside, increase the capacity of our premier health institution in managing these kinds of surges and epidemics of illnesses.

I also urge the concerned general public to pressure the authorities to take action.