Multi-sectoral strategy is needed for effective control on dengue and prevent it from transforming into an epidemic in the coming season. Effective role and commitment of all stakeholders including government departments, NGOs, public representatives and people could overcome social as well as medical problem.
These views were expressed by various speakers at the briefing session of the participants of Dengue Epidemic, Prevention and Control Programme, who were sent on the instructions of chief minister Punjab, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for training to Thailand and Sri Lanka, at Management and Professional Development Department, here Sunday.
On this occasion, group leaders of different working groups gave presentations in the light of their experiences and observations. The speakers said that besides an error free data collection system of dengue patients, establishment of a foolproof and effective larva surveillance and response and case surveillance and response system is very vital for eradication of the virus. Moreover, target oriented policy should be adopted and efforts should be made for achieving these targets.
Addressing the briefing session, Secretary MPDD, Mrs Rashida Malik said that MPDD will continue to organise training workshops for officers and officials of different departments. She said that new courses would be introduced according to the requirements.
Secretary Planning & Development Department, Ali Tahir said CM Punjab has approved project for dengue control. He further stated that consolidated and effective efforts are being taken to overcome the problem. He urged upon the experts to prepare themselves to face future challenges.
Expressing his views, Prof. Tariq Salahuddin averred that they had faced worlds' largest dengue epidemic last year in Punjab, but due to steps taken on war footing basis by CM Punjab and untiring efforts of doctors, nurses and other paramedics, thousands of lives of the patients were saved. Khawja Salman Rafique MPA, Secretary Environment Department Punjab, Salim Hotiyana, Secretary Planning & Development Department, Ali Tahir, Programme Director Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok Thailand, Dr. Faiz Shah, Mrs. Shaista Pervaiz Malik, Secretary MPDD, Rashida Malik, senior officers of different departments including health and finance, Professor Javed Akram, Prof. Tariq Salahuddin, Prof. Muhammad Ali, Head of Entomology Department, Agriculture University, Faisalabad, Prof. Wasim Akram, and nurses and other officials attended the session.