Disease takes Jaffna toll

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 11 February 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Sixteen persons died this year in the Jaffna District from Malaria, Dr. E. Deivendram, of the Jaffna Municipal Council told the TamilNet correspondent today. Death from Malaria for 1997 stood at 41. There were also 104 deaths from dengue last year.

Dr. E. Deivendram said that the principal causes for this were insufficient drugs to combat the disease, inadequate quantities malathion anti-mosquito spray being supplied to the Jaffna District.

He said the number of municipal workers to spray the Malathion was not enough.

It is estimated that 160 barrels of Malathion spray are required for three months in the Jaffna District, but only 10 barrels reach the municipal authorities.

Jaffna municipal workers who were ordered by the Sri Lanka Army to work on construction sites for the opening of the Jaffna Library, could not clean garbage or remove stagnant water where mosquitoes breed in abundance.

However 27 labourers have been returned to the council now, said Dr. Deivendram.

Related Articles:
20.01.98   Government restricting medical supplies - Jaffna hospital