Federal Minister for Health M. Naseer Khan has claimed that "downward trend has started in dengue fever cases and the situation is under control." He was presiding over a meeting on dengue fever at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) here.
He said that outbreak of dengue fever was distressing the nation, but with the integrated efforts of Federal, provincial governments, the city government was taking adequate steps against the disease. He mentioned that an isolation ward had been set up, free test were being done, fumigation had been started, insecticides had been provided and all those efforts were showing results now.
For avoiding the disease, personal hygiene and clothing was very important, he said, adding all rubbish and wastage should be removed immediately, repellents and insecticides should be used. Federal Health Secretary Syed Anwar Mehmood mentioned that the Federal government had provided 8,000 nets to the provincial governments for infected patients, and assured to provide all kind of support in fighting against the disease. Sindh Health Secretary Professor Naushad mentioned that up till now 627 cases of dengue fever and 30 deaths were confirmed.
Additional Health Secretary and vocal person for the committee on dengue Dr Abdul Majid, country representative WHO Khalf Bille Muhammad, National Institute of Health Director Dr Aforze Nizam also attended the meeting.-PR