LOWER DIR: The speakers at a workshop held at Chakdara said that the healthcare workers were at a greater risk due to their direct exposure to patients, and urged strict adherence to protective measures to safeguard both staff and patients.

A day-long training workshop on “infection prevention, ensuring safe service delivery” was jointly organised by the Population Welfare Department (PWD), Lower Dir, and the Indus Hospital Infection Prevention Chapter at the Reproductive Health Services Centre (RHSC) in Chakdara, here on Friday.

The workshop began with welcome remarks from the district population welfare officer (DPWO), Kinan Pasha.

In his lecture, Dr Asif Khan highlighted the growing prevalence of infectious diseases in the country, particularly HIV cases in Lower Dir.

Workshop advocates for protective measures

He stressed that the healthcare workers were at a greater risk due to their direct exposure to patients, and urged strict adherence to protective measures to safeguard both staff and clients.

The session included demonstrations on disinfection and sterilization of instruments, as well as proper waste segregation and disposal methods.

Dr Khan emphasised that the correct use of protective gear during clinical examinations and surgical procedures was essential for preventing infections.

Mr Kinan Pasha praised the efforts of the Indus Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Unit, expressing the hope that the training would have a lasting impact on safe service delivery. Certificates of appreciation were presented to Dr Khan and the RHSC staff.

SCHOOL BUILDING: Residents of Danwa, a village near Timergara, on Friday expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the Government Primary School for Boys, established in 1963, saying the building poses a serious threat to the students’ safety.

The school located on the bank of a seasonal stream is exposed to extreme risk in case of flooding, locals said.

They warned that the structure’s vulnerability endangered the lives of hundreds of boys and girls studying there, yet no action has been taken by the authorities concerned.

The residents urged the education department to build protective embankments along the stream and carry out urgent repair and reconstruction work to ensure safety of the students.

BREASTFEEDING: The Lower Dir district health office in collaboration with the Unicef and the integrated nutrition programme, organised a seminar and awareness walk to promote breastfeeding in Timergara here the other day.

Lady health workers, nurses, nutrition staff, and community members took part, carrying placards and banners highlighting the benefits of a mother’s milk.

The speakers, including DHO Dr Niaz Muhammad Afridi, said a mother’s milk is a complete diet that supports a child’s mental, physical, and immune development.

Citing provincial statistics, they noted that while 64pc of births occur in government hospitals, only 22pc of newborn are given their mothers’ milk. They urged parents, scholars, teachers, and media to spread awareness about breastfeeding to improve child health and reduce infant mortality.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2025