Pakistan public campaign to tackle dengue fever
This article was originally published in Scrip
The health ministry of Pakistan is to undertake a public campaign aimed at reducing the incidence of dengue fever in the country, health minister Ms Sherry Rehmanhas announced.
The campaign, including link-ups with national radio, will aim to raise awareness and knowledge of dengue fever and encourage preventive steps, including the use of insect repellents.
Ms Rehman warned that current gaps in information meant the public required access to accurate information, to avoid misconceptions and be aware of appropriate action in event of infection.
The rate of dengue fever infection in Pakistan has decreased from 2006, when 6,056 cases were reported and 52 deaths occurred. This year there have been 1,488 cases reported, 661 of which were positive, and 26 deaths.