War against dengue will continue till complete elemination:Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that a comprehensive programme is being implemented in the provincial metropolis as well as other big cities of the province for eliminating dengue due to which situation is under control this year as well like the previous year.

He said that all concerned departments and institutions are discharging their responsibilities efficiently however, the war against dengue virus is not yet over and will continue till its complete elimination. He said that the most effective method for prevention against this disease is to promote public awareness regarding preventive measures. He said it is a matter of satisfaction that there is a growing awareness in the people about dengue virus and the measures for protection against this disease however, the campaign in this regard should be continued vigorously.

He said that medical experts and doctors of Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand extended full cooperation and guidance to Punjab government in dealing with a new disease like dengue.  He said that with the grace of Allah and due to the strenuous efforts of the government, the dengue challenge was effectively countered last year and the same spirit is being displayed in dealing with this scourge this year as well. He said that considerable success has been achieved in limiting threat of dengue by adopting preventive measures in an organized manner at every level. He said that citizens as well as boy and girl students are playing a vanguard role in the war against dengue.

He said Anti-Dengue Day has been observed in the province today for the purpose of renewing the pledge that crusade against dengue will continue throughout the province. He said that nothing could be more important than human life and Punjab government has taken measures on war footing to cope with the challenge of dengue. He said the enthusiastic participation of the people and the government servants in awareness walks, seminars and workshops despite rain and bad weather fully indicate that there is a perception about the threat of dengue and strong determination to root out this menace. He said that this determination is a guarantee to the success in the drive for complete eradication of dengue virus.

The Chief Minister directed monitoring committees set up at district and tehsil level not to show any negligence towards measures against dengue and perform their responsibilities with patriotic spirit.