Dhaka, June 3 -- The government is going to launch a three-month nationwide dengue awareness campaign from Saturday as part of an intensified initiative to prevent the spread of the mosquito-borne viral disease ahead of the peak transmission season.

The health ministry also said private hospitals and clinics will bear 80 percent of dengue treatment costs, while services at public hospitals will remain free.

The announcement came at a press briefing on dengue prevention held at the conference room of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, State Minister Dr M A Muhit and Special Assistant to the PMO Dr SM Ziauddin Haider were presen...