Application of technology to fight mosquitoes

In Bangladesh, mosquitoes are no longer just a problem that comes and goes with the seasons. They have slowly turned into a major public health emergency across the whole country. From the capital city of Dhaka to other big cities, districts, and even villages, mosquitoes have made everyday life very difficult for people. Every year, thousands of people catch diseases spread by mosquitoes, such as dengue, chikungunya, and malaria. Hundreds of these people lose their lives. The high medical costs, days of work lost, and fear in society are all putting heavy pressure on the country's economy and health system.

Experts say that if we use modern technology and careful scientific planning, we can cut mosquito breeding by 70 to 90 percent. In 2023, Bangladesh had its worst dengue outbreak ever recorded. More than 321,000 people were infected, and over 1,700 people died. In 2024, more than 100,000 people had to go to hospital because of dengue, and hundreds died. The World Health Organisation says Bangladesh is now one of the highest-risk countries for dengue in South Asia. Malaria is still present and has not been fully eliminated in hilly and border regions.

Researchers point out several reasons why the problem is getting worse in Bangladesh. Unplanned city growth creates many places where water collects, such as in unfinished buildings, rooftop water tanks, blocked drains, and piles of plastic waste—especially in crowded cities like Dhaka. These spots become perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Rising temperatures and unpredictable rain patterns make the mosquito life cycle faster. Fogging (spraying insecticide) often does not work well, and many areas lack regular programmes to kill mosquito larvae. Even tiny amounts of still water near homes are enough for mosquitoes to breed.

Many countries around the world are already using advanced technologies to control mosquitoes and have seen good results. Experts agree that the best way to control mosquitoes is to target and destroy them when they are still in the larval (early) stage, before they become flying adults.

In countries like Japan, Singapore, and Australia, people use larvicides based on pyriproxyfen and long-lasting tablets with BTI bacteria. These stop mosquito larvae from growing into adult mosquitoes in water. In Japan and some African countries, drones are now used to find and treat mosquito breeding sites. Artificial intelligence (AI) can help map where mosquitoes breed and target larvicide application precisely. This reduces the amount of chemicals needed and allows quick control over large areas. Many places also use eco-friendly methods, such as fish that eat larvae or biological larvicides made from bacteria.

Singapore has successfully controlled dengue through strict monitoring and technology. In Japan, long-term larval control has greatly reduced urban mosquitoes. In parts of Brazil, scientists are testing genetic methods to lower mosquito numbers.

Public health experts believe Bangladesh could see big improvements by using a combination of these technologies. Starting a strong national programme to destroy mosquito larvae could reduce mosquito populations by 80 to 90 percent.

Drone technology could quickly spot breeding sites. Better city management would also help lower the spread of dengue. While it may not be possible to completely get rid of mosquitoes everywhere on Earth, Bangladesh can greatly reduce mosquito numbers and diseases like dengue and chikungunya by adopting modern technology, scientific planning, and coordinated national efforts.

The question now is: Will Bangladesh move forward quickly with these technological and policy changes, or will the same crisis keep happening every year?

Writer: Kabir Ahmed Bhuiya is politician and development strategist