DENGUE AWARENESS PROGRAMME
On May 16, 2024, Sree Abirami College of Nursing, in collaboration with Madukkarai GH, organized a timely and crucial Dengue Awareness Programme. Themed “Our Responsibility for Safe Tomorrow,” this initiative aimed to educate and equip future nursing professionals with essential knowledge and strategies to combat Dengue fever, a growing public health concern.
The event was meticulously scheduled to begin at 11 AM, targeting the college’s B.Sc(N) and GNM students who play pivotal roles in community health services. The program kicked off with an engaging session on the treatment and preventive measures for Dengue, providing the students with a solid foundation on the subject matter.
Dr. Renuka, the Principal of Sree Abirami College of Nursing, opened the program with a warm welcome address. Her words set a tone of urgency and educational significance, emphasizing the critical nature of Dengue awareness in their future careers.
The highlight of the event was the insightful speech by Dr. Anbarasan, the District Epidemiologist. His address was not just a lecture but a narrative filled with personal experiences dealing with Dengue patients. His firsthand accounts served as a powerful tool for learning, making the information relatable and easier to grasp for the students. His practical points on the identification, management, and prevention of Dengue added significant value to their learning curve.
Further deepening the educational impact, Dr. Pradeepa, a Medical Officer at Arisipalayam PHC, shared her expertise in the laboratory investigation aspects of Dengue. She explained the critical role of platelet counts in managing Dengue patients and offered expert advice on early identification of the disease and its complications. Her session underscored the importance of sharp observational skills and timely intervention in saving lives.
Mrs. Shanthi, the District Malaria Officer, then took the stage to shed light on the lifecycle of the Dengue mosquito. Her presentation was comprehensive, detailing the development stages of the mosquito and its breeding habits. She provided valuable information on the environmental conditions that favor the breeding of these vectors, thus highlighting preventive strategies that could be implemented at community and individual levels.
One of the most solemn moments of the program was when Mr. Livingston Raja, Health Inspector at Madukkarai GH, led the pledge ceremony. He read the pledge aloud, and the students solemnly took an oath to engage actively in the prevention of Dengue by controlling mosquito breeding in their respective environments. This oath-taking ceremony was not just symbolic but a commitment to their roles in fostering a healthier tomorrow.
As the program concluded, Prof. Gandhimathi, the Vice Principal, delivered the vote of thanks. She expressed gratitude towards the speakers and the organizing team and highlighted how the program had successfully enlightened the students about Dengue, its risks, and the effective measures to prevent it.
This Dengue Awareness Programme not only informed the students but also empowered them with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle one of the most challenging health crises of our times. As future healthcare providers, the participants left the event better prepared to take proactive steps in disease prevention and community health promotion, embodying the theme of the day: a collective responsibility for a safer tomorrow.
