Emergency committee reviews dengue prevention measures

RAWALPINDI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Apr, 2026) With the dengue season approaching, the authorities in Rawalpindi is up to an early and intensified response, as a high-level meeting of the District Emergency and Response Committee met on Wednesday to tighten surveillance and eliminate breeding grounds before infections rise.

Chaired by Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, the meeting was attended by senior administrative and health officials.

Officials reviewed field data and underlined the need for faster, more targeted action in areas identified as vulnerable. The meeting decided on pre-emptive intervention, a shift from reactive containment to active prevention.

The chair urged teams to intensify ground operations.

He called for continuous tracking of high-risk zones and immediate removal of standing water where mosquito larvae can thrive.

The strategy of strengthening both indoor and outdoor surveillance systems, along with improving the speed and accuracy of data reporting were given special consideration during the meeting.

The meeting also stressed coordination between departments, warning that fragmented efforts could undermine progress. Sanitation drives and targeted spraying operations are being prioritized in hotspot areas, while public awareness campaigns are expected to play a central role in limiting exposure.

The deputy commissioner directed the relevant quarters to maintain a “zero-tolerance” approach, with daily performance monitoring of field teams and strict accountability for negligence.