Islamabad:In view of the approaching dengue season and the increased risk associated with changing weather patterns, the District Health Office Islamabad has initiated a series of coordinated measures to strengthen dengue prevention and preparedness across the federal capital.
The District Health Office has issued advisory letters and notices to various public and private institutions, including educational institutions and private school administrations, emphasizing strict adherence to dengue prevention Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These communications highlight the importance of environmental sanitation, protection of students and staff, and the nomination of focal persons or central coordinators within institutions to ensure effective implementation and coordination of dengue control activities.
To strengthen environmental management, a formal communication has been sent to the Capital Development Authority, particularly the Directorate of Sanitation, urging urgent coordination for dengue prevention. The recommendations include the removal and proper disposal of discarded and old tyres, desilting of drains, improved solid waste management, increased waste collection frequency, and proper covering of waste storage areas to eliminate potential mosquito breeding habitats.
Furthermore, letters have been sent to various training institutes requesting the nomination of staff members for participation in dengue surveillance activities. The District Health Office will provide capacity-building sessions to these nominated personnel to enhance community-based surveillance and response mechanisms.
The District Administration has also been requested to facilitate coordinated action across multiple departments, including Auqaf, Local Government and Rural Development, Civil Defence, and cooperative housing societies. Housing societies have been advised to implement preventive measures and issue Dengue Clearance Certificates every 10–15 days, ensuring oversight of construction sites, management of vacant plots, proper solid waste disposal, and compliance with environmental safety standards.
The Islamabad Health Regulatory Authority (IHRA) has been formally engaged by the District Health Office Islamabad on ensuring compliance of private diagnostic setups and laboratories with dengue prevention protocols and clinical management standards. This includes functional triage desks, diagnostic accuracy, adherence to government-subsidized rates for dengue testing, and timely reporting of real-time dengue data. IHRA is also expected to coordinate with ICT Disease Control and Prevention teams to maintain zero tolerance for under-reporting and ensure strict monitoring of laboratory services.
The Health Services Academy (HSA) has been requested to support community engagement efforts through the mobilization of students and volunteers for evidence-based awareness campaigns, source reduction demonstrations, data-driven mapping, and behavioral change communication initiatives aimed at reducing mosquito breeding sites. Relevant departments such as Fisheries, Wildlife, Agriculture, and Livestock have been advised to implement sector-specific preventive measures, including hatchery management, improved park sanitation, farmer education on water management and greenhouse practices.
