CDA joins hands with Rawalpindi administration to tackle dengue

Joint committee for eradication of dengue to be put into operation

Islamabad

The joint committee for the eradication of dengue will be put into operation for oversight of the dengue eradication planning in the region. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) will facilitate Rawalpindi administration in combating dengue in the adjoining areas as well as where there is need to utilise CDA’s capacity.

This was decided during Joint Coordination Meeting, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, to chalk out a comprehensive strategy for dengue eradication from the twin cities. The meeting was jointly chaired by State Minister for Capital Administration and Development Division (CAAD) Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary and Labour Minister for Punjab Raja Ishfaq Sarwar. The meeting was attended by CDA Chairman Maroof Afzal, Parliamentary Secretary Raja Javed Ikhlas, Chief Commissioner ICT, District Coordination Officer Rawalpindi, Director Health Services CDA Dr. Hassan Urooj, EDO Rawalpindi and senior officers of CDA and concerned departments of adjoin municipalities.

During the meeting, Raja Ishfaq Sarwar explained the objective of the meeting and said that no boundary would be taken in to account while combating dengue in the twin cities. He further said that there is dire need for coordination between the administrations of the two cities so that effort could be maximised.

CDA Health Services director, while briefing about the efforts and action plan of CDA for combating dengue in Islamabad informed the meeting that for the last five years number of dengue patients in Islamabad has remained 30 to 40 times less than those of Rawalpindi and other areas, which itself speaks of hard work and effective strategy put in by the CDA. The meeting was further apprised that CDA continues its efforts to cope dengue regardless of the season. The teams continue their work to prepare themselves for the summer season when there are chances of high turn of dengue patient. He further informed that high risk mapping is done during the window period and areas thus earmarked are focused with extensive campaign, spraying and fumigation etc.

On this occasion, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary appreciated CDA’s action plan and reiterated that appropriate utilization of resources particularly human resources is most important factor in combating challenges like dengue. He urged for good planning, advance strategy, proactive approach, effective coordination and appropriate use of resources for curbing dengue in Twin cities.

CDA Chairman Maroof Afzal reiterated that joint committee will be put into operation immediately after being notified and relevant formations of the authority will participate in the eradication of dengue not only in Islamabad but also in the other areas where services and expertise of CDA will be required. He stressed that since there are no boundaries for this disease; CDA will help out Rawalpindi administration in the adjoining areas and where there is need to utilize capacity of CDA.