Kerala Health Minister: Students Can Lead Epidemic Prevention Through Awareness and Cleanliness
Students play a crucial role in preventing epidemics by spreading awareness and maintaining cleanliness in public spaces, said Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan on Thursday.
Inaugurating a school-level awareness programme jointly launched by the Health and Education departments, the Minister emphasised the need to intensify cleaning and sanitation activities to reduce vector breeding.
Schools must pay special attention to hygiene and disease prevention, he said, adding that cleanliness is not the sole responsibility of local self-government institutions. Programs can succeed only with active participation from all sections, including government departments, educational institutions, voluntary organisations, and the general public.
Children showing symptoms like fever should take precautions such as wearing masks, he advised.
The Minister noted that across the state, a 'Dry Day' is observed three days a week, and vector breeding sites are being cleared through inter-departmental coordination.
The Health department is maintaining vigilance against waterborne diseases like shigellosis. Muraleedharan credited the collective effort of health workers for the state's achievements in the health sector.
Education Minister N. Samsudheen administered a pledge of cleanliness and hygiene to students. Senior officials from both departments were present at the event.
