IT is impossible to design a successful program to limit the rise of dengue fever cases as long as the authorities responsible keep blaming one another for negligence while absolving themselves of any shortcomings. It is unfortunate that despite the efforts of the dengue fever control program to control mosquitoes that carry this disease and in spite of spending hundreds of millions of riyals on the program with the participation of several authorities, the result has been disappointing: the number of dengue fever cases has increased significantly with over 700 cases being reported in no more than four months. The responsibility lies with the Directorate of Health Affairs, Jeddah Mayoralty, Ministry of Agriculture, and the National Water Company. As long as each authority refuses to shoulder its responsibility or carry out its duties as required, the number of dengue cases will continue to rise. The problem will not be solved by mudslinging and the exchange of accusations of negligence between the Jeddah Mayoralty and the Directorate of Health Affairs, whether regarding providing misguiding and inaccurate information or failing to adopt the specific coordinates of the sites that required the spraying of insecticides. The problem exists because of the negligence of all the concerned authorities in carrying out their duties. Dengue carrying mosquitoes have multiplied due to this and are now threatening Jeddah's residents. What citizens want is that the concerned authorities should combat dengue fever and be sincere and honest in carrying out their responsibilities. They must realize the magnitude of the responsibility they have to shoulder. The health of citizens and expatriates is more important than an exchange of accusations. __
