The DP programme which was launched initially in 2011 as a pilot programme is part of
Sanofi Pasteur’s ongoing commitment to take proactive measures to intensify awareness on
dengue and involve public participation, especially from the younger generation. In line with
the government’s aim to educate and create public awareness on various health matters, the
DP programme is aimed at advocating prevention against this disease and spearheading
dengue prevention activities in the respective school’s immediate communities. This year,
the DP programme is set to expand its reach nationwide to all schools in Malaysia. The launch ceremony was officiated by Yang Berhormat Tuan P. Kamalanathan A/L P. Panchanathan, the Deputy Minister of Education II from the Ministry of Education, who
spoke on the urgency and timeliness of the DP programme, “The Dengue epidemic in
Malaysia is a serious and pressing matter to the nation. Dengue is an infection that does not
recognize national or provincial boundaries and is spreading with an amplified frequency of
outbreaks. Everyone is aware that dengue is serious, but yet people continue to be apathetic
about prevention methods. We need a multi-stakeholder approach to address the situation –
effort comes not only from the government – but also from individuals and communities.”
The objectives of DP Programme are to intensify awareness on dengue and improve public
education. This programme aims to recruit students nationwide to form Dengue Patrols in
their respective schools to initiate activities that encourage the prevention of dengue and
protection against Aedes mosquitoes. The DP programme features a six-week long
campaign with activities relating to dengue health awareness and dengue health education
that will be supervised by the selected teacher advisor.
