Defeating dengue fever: Walled City residents join WCLA in awareness walk

They discussed preventive measures with the residents

LAHORE: The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) held a dengue fever awareness walk from Delhi Gate to Kotwali Chowk on Wednesday.

They were joined by several residents of the area and some members of the Anjuman-i-Tajaran. The participants handed out fliers to shopkeepers and residents and discussed various ways of preventing breeding of dengue mosquitoes.

Media Officer Avais Raza said they had organised a talk on the advice of the city district government. He said they felt that raising awareness was an important aspect in the prevention of dengue fever. He said that the WCLA had also held meetings and seminars in the area and discussed the issue with residents and the traders association. They spoke about various methods that were being used to eliminate hot spots for dengue mosquito breeding.

The pamphlet distributed by the participants outlined various measures that the residents needed to take. They were asked to ensure that water vessels and pools were drained. It said they could use Temephos Granules 1 per cent in areas where there was stagnant water that could not be dried. The pamphlet also listed symptoms of dengue fever so that people can recognise them and seek prompt treatment.

Residents participating in the walk said they were satisfied with measures taken by the WCLA to prevent the spread of dengue fever.

Sheikh Shaukat Ali, a representative of residents from the Delhi Gate area, said awareness campaigns had always proven beneficial. He said dengue fever was a curable but its treatment could become tricky, especially if transfusion of platelets was required. “Most people living here are not affluent and it is important to make sure that they know how to prevent the fever.”

Zareena Abdul Shahid, a resident of the Walled City, said the dengue awareness campaign was promoting cleanliness, which was very important for the area.

Anujman-i-Tajaran Walled City Delhi Gate chairman Chaudary Akbar said that such measures were important during monsoon season so that people would know how important it is important to drain rainwater. He said that the WCLA had also sprayed the area with insecticide.

Chitta Gate president Haji Abdul Aziz said officials had sprayed his area with insecticide thrice since the start of monsoon season. He also stressed the importance of holding awareness walks.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2015.