Religious leaders join efforts to combat dengue

PESHAWAR: The religious leaders have joined hands with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department to raise awareness about Dengue control and prevention.

The announcement was made at an awareness session organized by the Health Department in collaboration with UNICEF on Dengue prevention strategies. The event attracted significant attendance from key health officials, including Adeel Shah, Secretary of Health Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Dr. Shahid Yunis, Additional Director General of Health Services; Dr. Ikramullah Khan, Focal Person for Dengue activities; and Director Dengue Control Program Dr. Fazal Rehman.

Prominent religious figures including Molana Qari Ihsanul Haq, Chairman of the Muttahida Ulema Board KP, Maulana Hussain Ahmad, Nazim E Ala of Wifaqul Madaris-ul-Arabia, Maulana Syed Yousaf Shah of Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqania, Maulana Habibur Rehman of Tanzimat Madaris and Mufti Ubaid, Mohtamim of Madrasa in Kahi Hangu, along with district khateebs from Charsadda, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu, Haripur and other districts attended the event.

In his address, Secretary Health Adeel Shah praised the vital role of the ulema in supporting health initiatives during emergencies.“We have distributed mosquito nets across the province and conducted anti-VBD activities in various areas,” Adeel Shah stated. “Our teams are actively monitoring both indoor and outdoor environments to identify potential breeding sites for Dengue and malaria larvae,” he added.

Adeel Shah highlighted specific initiatives at the district level aimed at eliminating sources that can harbor Dengue larvae, such as standing water, room coolers, and other breeding sites. He called upon religious leaders to lend their support in enhancing community awareness.“Religious leaders have millions of followers. Their collaboration is essential for the success of our campaigns,” he asserted.