Dengue 360 Conference
10 April 2017 - INNO Biologics Sdn Bhd (Inno Biologics), EntoGenex Industries Sdn Bhd (EntoGenex) and the Academy of Sciences Malaysia collaborated in the second edition of the Dengue 360 Conference, this year themed “Innovation in Dengue Prevention”. The event is supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. (Mosti).
According to Inno Biologics acting-president Yusri Bulat, the aim of the conference was to discuss and create new ideas and innovations on how to curb and keep at bay dengue and other mosquito-born diseases. The gathering covered three talks based on these topics – Community Engagement, Innovation and Strategies.
SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
At the conference, Mosti deputy minister Datuk Wira Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah stated that it is the responsibility of everyone to “fight” dengue.
“Therefore, education, community-based programmes and full cooperation from the society, government agencies, NGOs and private companies are required. We have to come together as one to fight this ‘disease’,” Abu Bakar said.
His view was echoed by the members of the panel of all three sessions, which comprised university lecturers, government agency representatives and medical experts.
OLD HABITS DIE HARD
Abu Bakar also added that one of the challenges in prevention of dengue is the reliance of old methods to ward off mosquitoes. “No doubt, everyone does not want to be infected by any mosquito-borne diseases. The reason why we need to change our habits, especially our reliance on mosquito coils and tablets. This is also the reason why we embarked on the Dengue 360 conference and the Komuniti Bebas Denggi (Dengue Free Community) campaign,” said Abu Bakar.
The Dengue Free Community initiative consists of a community programme that involves the public and rallies the people to work together to reduce the risks of dengue. Mosti, together with Inno Biologics and EntoGenex also introduced the “Dengue Tool Box”, a sustainable solution that involves community engagement, requires use of innovation and benefits the economy.
Article first published at: http://www.thesundaily.my/news/2221820