NEA award 2 yr $10 million contract to advertising firm to fight dengue.

[Aris]

Originally Posted by Aris

If you recall, I did mentioned that I intended to write to NEA. After my email was sent, this was their response (dated 4th April)....

Text of my email to NEA

Aris xxx <aris.xxx@gmail.com>

2 Apr

to Contact_NEA

I read with interest about the recent case of dengue occurring in Tampines and have the following suggestions. In the past I have also written to NEA and suggested putting up posters to inform Singapore residents who may leave the country for extended period leaving behind an empty home which will then be a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes. NEA has since then produced such posters and put them up in most neighbourhood noticeboards.

May I suggest the following that may assist NEA to increase awareness amongst residents and also a different approach. One of the worrying issue when it revolves individuals with the common mindset is the question, "leave the rest to NEA to eradicate the mosquitoes as I have already done my part to ensure my area of responsibility(my home) is not breeding mosquitoes. I have also taken the necessary precautions that my family is not affected."

1. Why don't NEA take this further by encouraging residents to buy mosquito traps? Any mosquito killed may reduce the chances it will breed more and hence reduce the mosquito population density. Can NEA put aside a budget to pay a portion toward the cost of the purchase of an NEA-approved mosquito trap? I think in the long run assuming residents are encouraged to get a unit, in the community there will have a number of them placed in different blocks that will attract mosquitoes and killed them off. In breaking the life cycle of the mosquitoes, the mosquito-ridden community will get rid of the problem.

2. Why don't NEA increase awareness of residents about breeding mosquitoes in their absence when leaving the country for an extended period? Have travel and tour companies place large posters in their offices and advisories attached to their tickets. Place prominent posters at exit points out of the country such as ferry points, airports and at the Causeway. Air tickets issued to Singapore residents should have an advisory attached. Domestic maids should be taught by maid agencies on mosquito breeding control as their employers rely on them to take care of the home.

I hope NEA will see some merit to my suggestions and that some if not all will be implemented.

NEA's reply

"NEA-2013-04-001919



Dear Mr xxx



Thank you for sharing with us your concern and suggestions on the approach to increase awareness among residents.



2 However, to use an ovitrap effectively, regular checks need to be conducted to ensure that it is assembled and placed correctly. If the ovitrap is not maintained appropriately, it could become an active breeding ground. Hence, if home-made traps or ovitraps are put in homes, proliferation of mosquitoes and the potential transmission of dengue fever could result if they are not properly maintained or placed.



3. We are working with other relevant agencies to step up dengue prevention efforts nationwide. We will also roll out a publicity campaign to spread the vigilance message among the community. Our officers will also conduct house visits and distribute public educational materials such as brochures to members of the public. In addition, residents can participate in their grassroots’ dengue prevention activities to help fight against dengue. For example we have officially launch the H.O.M.E.S.+ programme, which stands for HOusehold Mosquito Eradication System PLUS. H.O.M.E.S.+ is an enhanced programme that urges our community to create their very own “Dengue First-Aid Box”. Inspired by the household first aid kit, the new H.O.M.E.S.+ takes the form of a handy box containing essential items (i.e. cluster checklist, insect repellent wipes, bamboo pole holder, pipette, container for easy isolation of mosquito larvae etc.) that promotes a dengue-free living environment.



4. Notwithstanding the above, we will review your suggestion to educate the public on the use of ovitraps in households. We will also continue to work with all relevant parties to increase awareness. Thank you.



Yours sincerely



(Name withheld) • Executive • Quality Service Unit, Environmental Health Department • National Environment Agency • DID : +65 6731 XXXX • Fax : +65 6731 9749 • Email : xxx_xxx_xxx@nea.gov.sg

I do not recall that I mentioned ovitrap as the trap for catching mosquitoes, but apparently NEA has that in their mind. However, I let that pass as I did not expect anything to happen.

Ok here goes....I did mentioned in another post about NEA taking suggestions without ever acknowledging or give credit. I must also admit that I am not the only person in Singapore who came out with this suggestion. Here was what I posted in my letter to NEA.

"2. Why don't NEA increase awareness of residents about breeding mosquitoes in their absence when leaving the country for an extended period? Have travel and tour companies place large posters in their offices and advisories attached to their tickets. Place prominent posters at exit points out of the country such as ferry points, airports and at the Causeway. Air tickets issued to Singapore residents should have an advisory attached."

And this was from the news today

WHAT A COINCIDENCE!

North West CDC steps up anti-dengue awareness campaign for June holidays

http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2...21-424353.html

By Farah Mohd Ismail
The Straits Times
Tuesday, May 21, 2013

SINGAPORE - Travel agencies will send out travel advisories and dengue kits, and provide dengue-prevention reminders to customers. Schools in the district will send additional travel advisories to parents planning to travel during the holidays, while grassroots organisations will participate in outreach programmes to residents through events and house visits.

[byfun]

Coincidence or not you also cannot prove. Just that it that at least your suggestion is being taken and it will help public fight against dengue while someone in NEA mgmt score points.

[Aris]

Originally Posted by byfun

Coincidence or not you also cannot prove. Just that it that at least your suggestion is being taken and it will help public fight against dengue while someone in NEA mgmt score points.

True that I don't have the monopoly of ideas and yes, if it helps by writing in, good for everyone.

[Auratus]

Bro Aris, give you a thumb up and a pat on the back!

They actually listen to your feedback!!!!

[Aris]

Originally Posted by Auratus

Bro Aris, give you a thumb up and a pat on the back!

They actually listen to your feedback!!!!

Haha thanks bro but maybe they themselves had this idea themselves all along. so I will not take credit.

[Auratus]

Originally Posted by Aris

Haha thanks bro but maybe they themselves had this idea themselves all along. so I will not take credit.

You are humble. You deserve a couple of thousand out of the $10 millions.

[globalcookie]

It doesn't matter who came up with the idea first, but as I observe, they need to be pushed a few times before they lift their heavy butts to implement.

Thus your email to them, could likely be one of the few, and that made them take action. So, yes, good suggestions shd still be provided so they can get cracking.

[richardg]

Originally Posted by richardg

dont think its a secret
shld be a public tender
go check gebiz la

if you were not scared
be scared now
in 2005, 19 people died from DHF



I have 1000+ educational pamphlets to drop
anyone wants to help out?

First person dies of dengue in current epidemic


So far, more than 8,000 people have come down with this viral infection that is spread by the Aedes mosquito.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
The Straits Times
By Salma Khalik

SINGAPORE - A young man has become the first person to die of dengue in the current epidemic.

[tmark]

Originally Posted by richardg

First person dies of dengue in current epidemic


So far, more than 8,000 people have come down with this viral infection that is spread by the Aedes mosquito.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
The Straits Times
By Salma Khalik

SINGAPORE - A young man has become the first person to die of dengue in the current epidemic.

if this is the boy the talking about then I know him. He is one of the potential 9 ball pool player. he was in our training and selection squad in Cuesports Singapore.

Heard the news on Mon that he pass on due to dengue fever. A young talent just gone like that. he stays at hougang ave 1 there. I'm not sure if I can reveal his name. it's just devastating. suppose to be enlisted in NS today. Age 20.

May he RIP

[tmark]

Originally Posted by tmark

if this is the boy the talking about then I know him. He is one of the potential 9 ball pool player. he was in our training and selection squad in Cuesports Singapore.

Heard the news on Mon that he pass on due to dengue fever. A young talent just gone like that. he stays at hougang ave 1 there. I'm not sure if I can reveal his name. it's just devastating. suppose to be enlisted in NS today. Age 20.

May he RIP

sorry passed away on wed not mon