ISLAMABAD: The Federal Secretary of the Ministry of National Health Services Nadeem Mahbub on Tuesday directed all departments to take urgent measures for dengue control and prevention.

He also directed authorities, including District Health Officer (DHO), to ensure strict identification and response to dengue hotspots in the coming days and if required terminate contracts of negligent officials.

He was chairing a high-level meeting to discuss timely control and effective measures for dengue prevention.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the joint secretary, district health officer (DHO) ICT, additional deputy commissioner Ms Mehreen, representatives from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Municipal Corporation Islamabad (MCI), Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration, Federal Hospitals, and the deputy director of Primary Healthcare.

During the meeting, the Federal Secretary inquired about the Dengue Action Plan 2025 and the strategies being aligned for its timely implementation. He emphasised the importance of effective micro-planning and rigorous monitoring to control dengue outbreaks, calling for immediate action to mitigate risks.

He directed the officials of health department that hotspot areas must be continuously monitored, with strict enforcement measures, including the issuance of warnings and lodging of FIRs against non-cooperative community members through the Assistant Commissioner’s office.

Additionally, he instructed the DHO to implement house-to-house dengue identification, disseminate digital awareness messages, and assign dedicated personnel for surveillance.

He particularly emphasised frequent visits and larviciding efforts as critical components of dengue control.

Furthermore, Nadeem Mehbub stressed the need for launching a dengue awareness campaign and called for recruitment of sanitary patrol staff to strengthen field efforts.

He also directed the authorities to ensure strict identification and response to dengue hotspots in the coming days. He directed DHO that if required terminate contracts of negligent officials.

The dengue virus is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

The most common symptoms of dengue are high-grade fever accompanied by joint and muscular aches.

As dengue vaccine is not available, so early detection and proper medical care can lower mortality.

Otherwise, the disease may turn into a life-threatening haemorrhagic fever, which may lead to bleeding and dangerously low blood pressure. Rapid and unplanned urbanisation, lack of sanitation and climate change are all contributing to a surge in dengue infections.

Denmark envoy meets minister

Ambassador of Denmark met Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal. While discussing the matter of mutual interest he assured to continue cooperation in health sector.

He informed that a Danish company has been providing insulin for the people of Pakistan suffering with diabetes.

Mustafa Kamal urged the ambassador to play role that the company would start manufacturing insulin in Pakistan. He said that there were opportunities and attractive returns for the foreign investors as government was taking steps to improve investments.

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2025