ICCI holds awareness seminar about Dengue fever

ISLAMABAD: An awareness seminar about Dengue fever was held at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) which was jointly organized by ICCI and Central and North Punjab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with Abbott Pakistan Limited.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Javed Akram, the Principal of Allama Iqbal Medical College and Chairman of dengue expert committee said that the recent outbreak of dengue fever confirmed the presence of all four types of dengue viral infections in Pakistan. Dengue could spread severely throughout the country as it has in the province of Punjab, he added.

Dr. Akram stressed the need of an integrated vector control strategy. He said that mosquito sprays are not sufficient as we need a multiple approach for mosquito eradication, such as biological control, Larvicide, mass awareness, quarantine for patients and travel advisory.

He said that public awareness is the only way to prevent dengue fever. The dengue mosquito larva could survive for more than a year even in a dry place," Akram added.

In his welcome address, Asad Farid, Senior Vice President ICCI appreciated the efforts of Central and North Punjab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry for organizing such awareness seminars about Dengue Fever.

Asad Farid said that dengue could be controlled if a collective initiative to make a clean environment was taken. He said that it is the responsibility of the doctors and medical students to help in controlling the spread of dengue virus which is possible through taking preventive measures.

Kobab Parveen, President, Central and North Punjab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that it would take time to overcome the disease. She appealed to the people of all professions to take part in the movement to end dengue virus, adding that the government should not be succeeded in this movement until everybody of the society would not play its due role.