Prevention methods: Varsity inks agreement on dengue research

An insecticide will be mixed in standing water to prevent breeding


Our Correspondent August 24, 2015
University of Agriculture in Faisalabad. PHOTO: UAF.EDU.PK

FAISALABAD:


The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and Singaporean company Sumitomo on Monday agreed to collaborate on a project for dengue prevention. It will focus on preventing dengue larvae breeding in standing water.


The product will be mixed in swimming pools, water tanks and fountains to eliminate dengue larvae. A pilot would be launched initially to test the product for three months.

The proposal was discussed in a meeting between UAF Vice Chancellor Iqrar Ahmed and a Sumitomo delegation comprising Dr Serit Munny from Malaysia, Ken Nakanoshi from Japan, Karoni and Ong from Singapore.

Department of Entomology Chairman Jalal Arif, Dr Waseem Akram, Dr Mansoor-ul-Hassan Sahi, Dr Muhammad Arshad, Dr Khurram Zia and Dr Shahid Majeed were also present.

The foreign experts said that Sumitomo and the UAF had joined hands for joint research and development activities for the control of dengue carriers and other mosquitoes.

Addressing the meeting, Khan said the government had launched a number of projects to prevent a dengue fever epidemic. He said awareness drives had been launched across the province and health teams were monitoring cleanliness in residential areas, factories and junkyards.

Khan said it was essential for Pakistani scientists collaborate with foreign experts to tackle the dengue menace.

“We should be looking for innovative solutions that can permanently eliminate this disease from our midst,” he said. He said Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was personally supervising the campaign.

He said the UAF had been asked to partner with international collaborators and generate solutions for health issues in the country.

Dr Jalal Arif said the UAF Entomology Department would provide expertise in testing of the product at their laboratories.

He said that the effect of the product on human health as well as environment would be examined before it was launched. He said safety standards would be established before the product was used commercially.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25th, 2015.

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