In response to rising concerns over dengue fever outbreaks, the Haripur district administration has ramped up its anti-dengue efforts through a robust and multifaceted campaign targeting mosquito breeding grounds and enhancing public awareness. The initiative, spearheaded by district health officials, is a strategic mix of environmental management, mechanical interventions, and community engagement aimed at preventing a potential surge in dengue cases.
Health authorities in Haripur confirmed that field teams have been deployed across urban and rural areas to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. The teams are actively conducting mechanical removal of vectors by draining stagnant water from open containers, rooftops, discarded tires, and clogged drains—common habitats for the Aedes mosquito, which transmits the dengue virus.
Special attention is being paid to densely populated neighborhoods, schools, marketplaces, and other public areas where the risk of infection is higher due to human activity and poor sanitation conditions. Public parks and cemeteries, often overlooked in such drives, are also under inspection.
To complement these immediate clean-up operations, authorities are implementing longer-term dengue control strategies, focusing on environmental sanitation and source reduction. Officials have urged residents to ensure regular cleaning of their homes, gardens, and surroundings, highlighting that a collective effort is essential to break the mosquito breeding cycle.
“Community involvement is the backbone of any successful anti-dengue campaign,” said a spokesperson from the Haripur District Health Office. “We are not only clearing potential breeding sites but also educating people on how to take preventive measures at home.”
The district administration has launched awareness drives via loudspeakers in local mosques, leaflets distribution, and social media campaigns in Urdu and local dialects to maximize reach. Informational sessions in schools and community centers are also being organized to teach children and parents how to identify and eliminate breeding sites.
In parallel with fieldwork, an active surveillance program is underway. Health workers are visiting households and commercial zones to monitor for early symptoms of dengue and to record any suspected cases. This proactive surveillance is crucial to contain outbreaks before they escalate and to reduce the burden on local hospitals.
According to health officials, rapid diagnostic kits are being supplied to public health units for timely detection of dengue cases. Designated isolation wards are also being prepared in anticipation of any spike in hospital admissions.
Haripur’s anti-dengue drive aligns with broader national efforts as Pakistan continues to grapple with recurring seasonal outbreaks. In 2023 alone, the country recorded over 70,000 confirmed cases of dengue, with more than 150 fatalities. Climate change, urban overcrowding, and poor waste disposal systems have all contributed to the alarming rise in mosquito-borne illnesses.
Medical experts warn that with the monsoon season approaching, the risk of an outbreak increases significantly due to water accumulation in both urban and rural settings. The Health Department has therefore urged local governments across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond to replicate such proactive measures to prevent the spread of dengue and other vector-borne diseases.
As Haripur intensifies its battle against the virus, residents are reminded that dengue prevention starts at home. Simple actions—such as covering water tanks, regularly cleaning flower pots, and wearing long-sleeved clothing—can drastically reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
The district administration has pledged to maintain momentum in the campaign through the rainy season and beyond, emphasizing that sustained community participation and inter-agency coordination will be the keys to success.
