The United States has launched a public-health pest-control and vector-borne disease response programme in Sri Lanka to help strengthen the country’s efforts against a major nationwide dengue outbreak, according to Ada Derana.
The initiative, introduced by the U.S. Embassy in Colombo in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU), aims to improve dengue prevention, detection and response capabilities through technical cooperation and knowledge sharing.
The programme is intended to complement Sri Lanka’s ongoing response, which includes mosquito breeding-site eradication drives, public-awareness campaigns and stepped-up inspections. Officials say bilateral cooperation will focus on areas such as disease surveillance, entomology and integrated vector management — the coordinated use of multiple methods to control the Aedes mosquito that spreads dengue.
The launch follows discussions between Sri Lankan and U.S. officials earlier in the week on possible collaboration on dengue control measures, the Daily Mirror reported, as the two sides explored how American expertise could support the local campaign.
The support comes at a critical moment. Sri Lanka’s dengue caseload for 2026 has exceeded 80,000, with the NDCU reporting 61 deaths for the year so far and more than 25,000 infections in July alone. Hospitals, particularly in the Western Province, have reported rising admissions.
Health authorities continue to urge the public to clear stagnant water around homes, schools and workplaces, and to seek medical attention early for persistent high fever, warning that timely treatment remains critical to preventing dengue deaths.
