Peshawar - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Health Syed Qasim Ali Shah on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting regarding prevention and action plan of dengue.
The meeting chaired by Health Minister Qasim Ali Shah, brought together key stakeholders including Dr Shaukat Ali, Director General Health; Dr Arshad Roghani, Director Public Health; DHO Swabi, DHO Charsadda, and representatives from WHO, USA ID and UNICEF along with other implementing partners and relevant officials.
Dr. Irshad Roghani, Director Public Health and Incharge Dengue Control Program, briefed the Health Minister on the Dengue Action Plan 2024.
The Health Minister was informed that dengue advisories have already been issued to DHOs and medical superintendents. Last year, the threat of Dengue persisted due to rains, and this year, expected rains necessitate timely action. The Dengue Action Plan has already been formulated and sent for formal approval to the Chief Secretary.
Qasim Ali Shah was informed that a multi-sectoral approach has been adopted to control Dengue this time as well. The plan includes timely disposal of Dengue larvae and further enhancement of public health services. Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System will monitor the Dengue outbreak timely. A Dengue Control Room will also be established under the Directorate General Health Services.
The Minister Health was told that initially, 1240 beds have been allocated in the province, including 300 beds in Peshawar, in addition to MTIs. As per the action plan, District Rapid Response Teams will be trained, and communities will be sensitized. Awareness material will also be prepared for public awareness. There are 1200 spray pumps in the province, half of which need maintenance. PDMAs, WSSP, and WASA s will be mobilized for this purpose.
