Public health: ‘Climate change making diseases deadlier’

FAISALABAD:

“As the climate changes, humans will be exposed to deadlier diseases,” experts at a seminar organised for dengue awareness at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) said on Thursday.

The seminar was arranged by the Department of Entomology.

Talking to participants, UAF Vice Chancellor Iqrar Ahmad Khan said a public awareness campaign on the effects of climate change was needed.

“Dengue fever epidemics are an example of how deadly our surroundings have become,” he said.

He urged people to keep their homes and neighbourhoods clean.

He said stagnant water should be drained and containers should be cleaned. He said neighbourhoods should ensure proper disposal of plastic bags.

Faculty of Agriculture Dean Muhammad Arshad urged people to play an active role in raising awareness on public health.

He said unused plastic tyres should be wrapped and water for cattle should be refreshed.

Dr ShahidMajid said population growth, deforestation, urbanisation and climate changes had played a role in creating a health crisis in the country’s cities.

He said chances of a dengue fever epidemic increased during monsoon rains. He said it was imperative that citizens report poor environment conditions to the district government so that action could be taken as soon as possible.

He said there were 3,500 mosquito species. The seminar was followed by an awareness walk.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 31^st, 2015.