Federal departments to launch dengue awareness campaign: Kh Salman

Lahore: Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on Health Kh. Salman Rafique has said that federal departments will have to make joint efforts with provincial health department and district government in taking effective steps against dengue. He said that federal departments are bound to launch awareness campaign and take measures for dengue surveillance within the limits of their offices, residential colonies and educational institutions and the provincial government will extend all out cooperation.

He was presiding over a meeting of officers of the Federal Ministries in Lahore regarding controlling of dengue at Civil Secretariat today.

Additional Chief Secretary Amir Sohail, Secretary Health Punjab Dr. Ijaz Munir, District Coordination Officer Lahore Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi, Additional Secretary health (Technical) Dr. Sulman Shahid, Director General Health Punjab Dr. Zahid Pervaiz, Additional Director General Health (Epidemic Response and Control) Dr. Jaafar Ilyas, In-charge Chief Minister Dengue Research Cell prof. Waseem Akram, Dean IPH Prof.

Muaz Ahmed as well as officers of Railways, Customs, Pakistan Post, Civil Aviation Authority, FIA, Sui Northern Gas, Pakistan Tele Corporation, LESCO, NADRA, NAB and other departments were present.

A briefing was given to the officers of Federal Ministries on dengue situation and measures regarding control of this problem. Kh. Salman Rafique directed the officers to ensure dengue surveillance and larveciding in their offices and other buildings. He said that Provincial Health Department and district government will provide all out cooperation in this regard while the officials of Federal Ministries would also be given training in dengue surveillance.

In-charge Chief Minister Dengue Research Cell Prof. Waseem Akram said that the possibility of dengue breeding has increased due to excessive rains and all departments should make joint efforts for controlling this problem. Dr. Jaafar Ilyas said that only three confirm cases have been reported in Punjab so far.

Additional Chief Secretary, Amir Sohail said that dengue is a collective issue and anyone can be affected from its virus. Therefore, he said that collective efforts are needed to tackle this issue. Dr. Ijaz Munir said that maximum surveillance is needed at this stage for controlling dengue breeding in monsoon season. Kh. Salman Rafique directed that meeting with Federal Government Officers should be held on monthly basis for controlling dengue.