ISLAMABAD: A high-level coordination meeting on dengue prevention and control in Islamabad was held at the Ministry of National Health Services, with authorities reviewing surveillance activities and preparations ahead of the high-risk dengue season.
The meeting was chaired by the Federal Secretary for Health and attended by representatives of the District Administration, Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA), Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Federal Government Polyclinic, Federal Government Hospital and other public-sector healthcare institutions.
The District Health Officer (DHO) Islamabad briefed participants on the current dengue situation, ongoing surveillance across Islamabad Capital Territory and CDA areas, hotspot monitoring, larval surveillance and reported positive mosquito-breeding sites.
Officials expressed concern over the increasing detection of Aedes mosquito larvae, which can transmit dengue. However, the number of reported dengue cases remains considerably lower than during the corresponding period last year, indicating that sustained surveillance and early preventive measures are helping contain the risk.
The Federal Secretary for Health stressed the need for closer coordination and more frequent monitoring as the dengue season approaches its peak-risk period.
He directed relevant departments and field teams to intensify efforts to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites, particularly by targeting larvae and other immature stages of the Aedes mosquito before they develop into adult mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue.
The meeting also emphasised continued collaboration among health authorities, civic agencies, district administration and hospitals to ensure timely detection, prevention and response.
Authorities said field surveillance and hotspot monitoring would continue to be strengthened in the coming weeks to prevent an increase in dengue transmission across Islamabad.
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