Sri Lanka Red Cross Society Mobilizes Nationwide Action to Strengthen Dengue Prevention and Response

Dengue cases in Sri Lanka have increased significantly in 2026, with heavy rainfall and flooding creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding and the spread of the disease. In response to the growing risk of dengue transmission across the country, the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS), with support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) through the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF), has launched a dengue response operation to strengthen prevention and control efforts in vulnerable communities.

Working closely with the National Dengue Control Unit of the Ministry of Health, local health authorities, and other government stakeholders, SLRCS is supporting the national dengue response through a range of community-based interventions. These include household surveillance, dengue awareness sessions, environmental clean-up campaigns, support to healthcare facilities, and public awareness initiatives aimed at reducing the risk of transmission.

AAcross the 11 targeted districts – Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Galle, Matara, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Batticaloa, and Jaffna trained SLRCS volunteers are working alongside health authorities to conduct door-to-door household visits. During these visits, volunteers identify and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites, raise awareness on dengue prevention, promote good environmental sanitation practices, and encourage families to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their communities.

By mobilizing volunteers, strengthening community awareness, and working in close partnership with government authorities, SLRCS is helping reduce the risk of dengue transmission and supporting Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to build healthier, safer, and more resilient communities.