Peshawar launches anti-dengue measures

Commissioner directs swift implementation of 2026 Action Plan, warns of strict action against negligence

PESHAWAR:

In a proactive bid to curb the potential spread of dengue virus amid recent rains and approaching peak season, Peshawar Division has accelerated preventive efforts with the finalization and activation of the Dengue Action Plan 2026.

The decision came during a high-level meeting chaired by Commissioner Peshawar Division Riaz Khan Mehsud, attended by Deputy Commissioners, District Health Officers, Chief Executives of Water and Sanitation Services, and representatives from Tehsil Municipal Administrations across the division's five districts: Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda, Mohmand Tribal District, and Khyber district.

Participants received a detailed briefing on the ongoing implementation of the 2026 plan, preparations, and future course of action. Deputy Commissioners and District Health Officers presented updates on field activities, surveillance, cleanliness drives, and public awareness campaigns conducted so far.

The core objective of the Dengue Action Plan 2026 is to minimize the spread of dengue through multi-sectoral collaboration. Key elements include effective coordination among departments, environmental management, vector surveillance, timely response, capacity building, and active community involvement.

The strategy is structured around three phases: pre-season (February to June), peak season (July to November), and post-season (December to January). Measures encompass daily vector surveillance, immediate fogging in hotspots, larval elimination, and hospital preparedness.

A comparative review of past years' dengue cases highlighted a seasonal surge, particularly from August to October, underscoring the need for intensified preemptive actions.

Addressing the meeting, Commissioner Mehsud directed all relevant departments to expedite preventive measures, especially ensuring prompt drainage of stagnant water following recent rainfall to prevent mosquito breeding. He ordered the immediate start of anti-dengue spraying with changing weather to avoid a repeat of previous outbreaks.

He emphasized that dengue prevention must be ensured at all costs, calling for intensified public awareness campaigns through house-to-house surveillance under entomologists' supervision, alongside maximum use of print, electronic, and social media.

"All line departments must fulfill their responsibilities promptly and effectively," the Commissioner stressed. "No laxity will be tolerated in cleanliness, water drainage, larval eradication, or surveillance efforts."

He made it clear that any officer or official showing negligence or carelessness in dengue control would face strict disciplinary action.

The meeting also reviewed the emergency response plan for any potential surge in cases, which includes establishing an Emergency Response Cell, rapid resource mobilization, daily situation reporting, and targeted fogging in hotspots.

Concluding the session, all stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated efforts for effective dengue control, aiming to provide a safe environment for the public.