Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that anti-dengue campaign has now been transformed into a dynamic movement, in which all segments of the society are vigorously participating.
He said, in order to control the deadly disease, the Punjab government, elected representatives and people have come into the field to fight dengue and, as a result of collective and well-co-ordinated efforts, dengue virus has been controlled to a large extent.
Shahbaz said that preventive measures with regard to dengue virus have been made part of syllabus of educational institutions, while dengue related questions have also been included in examinations. He vowed that the anti-dengue movement would be further galvanised.
The Chief Minister was talking to media representatives on Sunday after participating in a walk on Anti-dengue Day at Central Point Gulberg and distributing awareness pamphlets among the citizens.
Advisor Khawaja Salman Rafique, Members National and Provincial Assemblies, office-bearers and workers of Pakistan Muslim League-N, Commissioner Lahore Division and other officers concerned were also present on the occasion. The Chief Minister said that with the cooperation of the people, a big anti-dengue volunteer force has been prepared, while seminars, workshops and walks have been arranged throughout Punjab.
He said that vigorous participation of all segments of the society has further highlighted the importance, significance and utility of anti-dengue day which has created greater awareness among the masses about dengue virus.
The Chief Minister said that, as a result of effective steps taken by the government and adoption of preventive measures by the people, the threat of dengue has been minimised as compared the previous years.
The Chief Minister paid glowing tributes to all segments of the society which supported the efforts of the government in controlling dengue menace.
Answering a question, he said that there is no need for spray and fogging yet, however, targeted spray is being carried at sensitive places, so that dengue breeding sites could be eradicated.
Answering a question regarding spread of dengue virus in Karachi, the Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad said that he has assured all possible cooperation to the Chief Minister Sindh in controlling dengue virus.