DILI, 11 january, 2021 (TATOLI)- The Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Timor-Leste, Munkhtuya Altangerel says a clean environment is easy to prevent dengue fever, saying, therefore, UNDP cooperates with the community to maintain a clean environment and prevent the spread of dengue fever.
“Dengue disease spread by the water stagnant and unclean environment therefore it requires everyone to ensure the environment is clean and easy to prevent dengue, thus UNDP continues to prioritizing clean up activity and conserve clean environment to avoid the spread of dengue disease to community in their living areas,”
“The collective action of the community is of the utmost importance and UNDP decided to work with the community in early 2022,” Munktuya Altangerel told Tatoli at her Office, UN Residents Caicoli Dili.
After the country was hit by flash floods on April 4, 2021, UNDP has worked closely with the State Secretary for the Environment to carry out environmental clean-up activities in 45 villages in Dili, adding that these activities will continue in 2022 to help the Government prevent the further spread of dengue.
“In 2022, UNDP will continue its environmental clean-up activities to prevent further spread of dengue fever to the community and assist the government of Timor-Leste in combating the problem of dengue fever in Timor-Leste,”
Munktuya explained that during the implementation of the environmental clean-up program, UNDP had provided equipment and materials for environmental hygiene and involved many young people in this activity.
“UNDP has deployed more than 5,400 people to clear bridges, puddles, and drainage to destroy mosquito breeding grounds,” She said.
According to Altangerel, another step to ensure a healthy and clean environment is to make laws that regulate people to dispose of waste properly and provide training on the green environment for the younger generation.
“Youth need more training and also the government needs to make laws on green environment,”
She also added that UNDP intends to work closely with the local government to provide training on the environment and waste management to people in Dili, considering that Dili is the place most affected by dengue.
Tuya invites the public to dispose of waste in its place and practice 3R, Reuse, Recycle, Redeveloping plastic waste.
Journalist: José Belarmino
Editor: Nelia B
