President's Weekly Radio Address: Highlights the Government's Efforts to Control Dengue Outbreak

Underlining the government's efforts to counter the recent outbreak of dengue fever in the Maldives, President Mohamed Nasheed has vowed “that the government will do everything possible to control the dengue epidemic.”

Referring to the Cabinet decision on Tuesday to launch a special mosquito control programme to curb the spread of dengue fever, he noted the appointment of a high level task-force to oversee the execution of the programme drawn up by the ministerial committee.

He also highlighted the main functions of the task-force, that will work under the direct supervision of the President.

These include increasing public awareness on dengue fever through media, and taking immediate measures to control the spread of the fever with the participation of all relevant government authorities.

Dengue fever is an infectious viral disease caused by dengue virus transmitted by mosquito bite.

The President, in today's radio address, noted the Martyrs' Day that will be commemorated in the Maldives on Saturday.

Martyrs' Day is celebrated on the 1stday of Sha'ban in Hijri calendar, every year.

Martyrs' Day in the Maldives commemorates the death of Sultan Ali IV fighting to protect the Maldives from Portuguese invaders.

Speaking on Martyrs' Day, the President paid tribute to Sultan Ali IV and all national heroes who died to protect the country's freedom.

In addition, the President highlighted the launch of 'Smart School' programme as part of the government's efforts to improve the standard of education in the country, especially in remote and smaller island communities.

The President, during his visit to Kudafari on Wednesday, inaugurated Kudafari School as the first 'Smart School'.

'Smart Schools' make use of information and communication technology and multimedia resources in the classrooms, in order to cater to the needs of all the students of different academic levels.

The President said Smart Schools would enable students to further their knowledge, based on their level of education, through the modern information technologies.