Dengue Prevention & Community Action: Field-Level Awareness Campaign in Khulna

Following the Orientation & Planning Session, Rongmohol For Youth began its field-level dengue prevention and community awareness activities in Ward No. 21 of Khulna City Corporation. The first day of field implementation combined door-to-door awareness, leaflet distribution, community discussion, a mass awareness rally and identification of environmental and public health risks. A total of 20 youth volunteers actively participated in the field activities through different teams. Activities Conducted 1. Door-to-Door Dengue Awareness Four volunteer teams conducted door-to-door awareness activities in different parts of Ward No. 21. Approximately 150 households were reached directly. Volunteers discussed: * Dengue prevention and transmission * Aedes mosquito breeding sites * Prevention of stagnant water * Household and community cleanliness * Personal protection from mosquito bites * Common warning signs of dengue * Importance of seeking medical advice when symptoms appear * Health-related emergency and support numbers The four field teams also documented community observations and concerns for further follow-up. 2. Community Awareness Discussion A community-level discussion titled: “Dengue Prevention Awareness & Community Action” was organised with approximately 80 community members, including women, men, youth and children. The discussion focused on the shared responsibility of individuals, families, communities and relevant authorities in preventing dengue. 3. Mass Awareness Rally A dengue awareness rally was organised at the 5 No. Fish Ghat area with approximately 50 participants. The rally carried the message: “No Panic, Awareness is the Strength to Prevent Dengue.” The rally aimed to spread dengue prevention messages among the wider community and encourage residents to take collective action. 4. Leaflet Distribution Approximately 180 people received dengue prevention awareness leaflets during the field activities. The materials provided practical information on dengue prevention, household cleanliness, mosquito breeding-site control and appropriate health-seeking behaviour. 5. Community Risk Identification The door-to-door teams identified several environmental and public health concerns across different blocks of Ward No. 21. Key findings included: * Stagnant water in drains, roadside areas and other open spaces. * Poor cleanliness in some community drainage areas. * Inadequate waste management in some locations. * Mosquito breeding risks around drains and water-holding containers. * Limited community-level maintenance of shared spaces. * High environmental vulnerability in densely populated areas, including the Harijan Colony. In some areas, residents reported that individual households attempted to maintain cleanliness, but connected drainage systems and unmanaged community waste created recurring problems. 6. Community Feedback During household visits and community discussions, residents expressed their willingness to cooperate with youth volunteers and relevant authorities. Community members highlighted the need for: * Regular mosquito control activities. * Drain cleaning and improved drainage management. * Larvicide and other appropriate mosquito-control measures where necessary. * Improved waste management. * Continued community awareness activities. * Greater coordination between residents, local authorities and community organisations. 7. Engagement with Local Stakeholders The identified environmental and dengue-related risks were documented and communicated to relevant local stakeholders for consideration and follow-up. The issues were also discussed during the community meeting, with emphasis on strengthening coordination between communities, local authorities and youth volunteers.