The risk of dengue outbreak is rising in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) following the recent rains. The situation has prompted Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to take notice and order all relevant departments to initiate urgent anti-dengue measures across the province.
According to the official sources, the Chief Minister Secretariat has issued directives to all divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, and relevant departments, instructing them to launch comprehensive anti-dengue campaigns on an emergency basis. The stagnant water resulting from recent downpours is reportedly creating breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
The communiqué emphasises that public places, construction sites, markets, schools, government offices, and drains must be cleared of standing water to curb the mosquito breeding.
The Health Department has also been directed to make pre-emptive arrangements in hospitals to handle potential dengue patients. This includes ensuring the availability of medicines, diagnostic equipment, and other essential facilities.
The department is further tasked with establishing an integrated system for effective surveillance and timely reporting of dengue cases throughout the province.
Local government bodies have been ordered to conduct regular spraying in sensitive and high-risk areas to curb the outbreak of decease.
Furthermore, the information department, in collaboration with the health authorities and district administrations, will launch a large-scale awareness campaign through print, electronic, and social media platforms. This campaign aims to educate the public about dengue prevention.
Citizens have been urged to take precautionary measures such as draining stagnant water around their homes and neighbourhoods, covering water tanks, and using mosquito nets, repellents, and protective clothing to reduce the risk of infection.
The chief minister has also called upon mosques, schools, and community leaders to actively participate in educating the public against dengue.
CM Gandapur said, “Dengue prevention is a collective responsibility. All departments are accountable for raising public awareness and implementing effective measures to combat this threat.”
He further directed that all commissioners submit weekly reports on anti-dengue activities, hospital preparedness, and awareness campaigns to ensure the campaign’s effectiveness and timely response.
