Monsoons and mosquitoes

Every year, as the monsoon rains arrive, our cities and towns witness a sharp increase in stagnant water puddles, blocked drains and overflowing sewers. These become perfect breeding grounds for the mosquitoes responsible for spreading dengue and malaria. Despite repeated outbreaks and numerous awareness campaigns in the past, it is unfortunate that little concrete action is visible to prevent this health crisis from reoccurring this year. Once the outbreak begins, many families are compelled to rush from one hospital to another in search

of beds, life-saving medicines and platelet transfusions. The situation is especially worrisome for children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to such infections.

Fogging and fumigation drives should be conducted systematically in all localities, especially in low-lying areas prone to water accumulation. Cleaning of drains, proper disposal of garbage and removal of stagnant water should be given top priority. At the same time, public awareness campaigns through newspapers, television, and social media should encourage people to keep their surroundings clean, use mosquito repellents, wear full-sleeve clothes and ensure that water tanks and containers are properly covered. Collective efforts by the administration and the people can help us mitigate the risk and save countless lives from these preventable diseases.

Hasan Zahid

Rawalpindi