Anti-dengue initiatives taken in Bahawalpur reviewed

BAHAWALPUR: A meeting of the District Emergency Response Committee reviewed the initiatives undertaken between March 25 and April 15 to combat the spread of dengue fever in the Bahawalpur district.

The meeting, held at the DC office's committee room to address anti-dengue strategies, was presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters, Sumera Rabbani. 

It was attended by District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Zeeshan Rauf, District Focal Person Dr. Qudsia Anwar, as well as medical professionals from Bahawal Victoria Hospital (BVH) and Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi Hospital. Entomologists, departmental officers, and assistant commissioners of all tehsils joined the meeting via video link.

Emphasizing the importance of proactive measures against dengue, the ADC ordered rigorous execution of preventive protocols and called for launching more awareness campaigns to mitigate the risk of dengue transmission.

The ADC ordered regular surveillance for dengue larvae, besides comprehensive coverage of potential breeding sites of mosquitoes.

The meeting also stressed the enforcement of legal measures against individuals failing to adhere to preventive guidelines. It assessed institutional efforts, and the performance of focal persons.

Dr. Qudsia Anwar presented an overview of dengue cases in the district, reporting 1,631 suspected and 6 confirmed cases from January 1 to April 15, adding that some of the cases were imported from other cities. During the surveillance period, dengue larvae were detected at 5 locations, the meeting was informed.

She said that intensified measures had been taken to eliminate dengue larvae, with 1,795 identified hotspots receiving full attention. As many as 412 active indoor and outdoor teams had been deployed in the district for anti-dengue operations, she added.