LOWER DIR: The population welfare department organised a one-day training workshop in Timergara here on Monday for its staff members to ensure effective implementation of the Reproductive Health Act, 2020.

District population welfare officer Kinan Pasha welcomed the participants, including director (administration and procurement) Ikramullah, who served as the resource person, and PCTN deputy director Kashif Khan.

Mr Ikramullah said the RH law was passed to provide legal protection and facilitation for reproductive health issues.

He said reproductive health was a fundamental human right and it was central to better quality of life.

“The law covers a wide range of services, including family planning, maternal and newborn care, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, adolescent reproductive health, cervical cancer screening and infertility management,” he said.

The official said the Act aimed at preventing poor reproductive health outcomes such as complications during pregnancy and childbirth, unsafe abortions and diseases caused by STIs.

He added that the legislation also sought to curb gender discrimination and promote responsible family planning practices to ensure every pregnancy was planned and every child well-nurtured.

Mr Ikramullah said couples with sound reproductive health awareness could make informed choices about contraceptive methods and contribute to building healthier families.

DENGUE CASES: District health officer Dr Niaz Mohammad Afridi on Monday said 11 cases of dengue fever, including a doctor, were reported in Lower Dir.

Talking to reporters here, the DHO said the health department had launched a fumigation campaign to check the spread of malaria and dengue in the district.

He said he had introduced reforms in the department, while salaries of 19 lady health workers had been withheld over absenteeism.

Dr Afridi said another polio drive would begin on Sept 1 to vaccinate around 300,000 children under the age of five years.

The official said shortages of staff at several rural health centres, basic health units and tehsil headquarters hospitals had largely been overcome, while doctors, LHWs and paramedics had been strictly directed to ensure attendance.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2025