LAHORE:
Surveillance and vector control of larvae and adult of dengue virus carrier mosquitoes can be improved through consultation with international experts and local academicians.
This was stated by Dr Guido Sabatinelli, the World Health Organisation (WHO) representative in Pakistan at the International Conference on Dengue and Its Control held on Monday. Sabatinelli declared last year’s dengue outbreaks in Punjab one of the worst ever.
Dr H Gezairy, the WHO special envoy for polio eradication, said that WHO would also provide technical assistance to the Punjab government in curbing dengue.
Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan, who was the health secretary during last year’s dengue outbreak called ‘indoor residual spray’ “the most effective part of the government’s strategy in 2011”. He said it should be an integral part of the campaign this year too.
The Communicable Diseases Control (CDC) director Dr Mobashar Malik called the lack of a “robust” surveillance system “the biggest challenge” in the dengue-control drive.
The conference will continue till February 29.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2012.
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