On the second day of international conference on dengue and its control organised by World Health Organisation and Government of Pakistan and Government of Punjab, five international experts on dengue gave presentations on key issues to control and prevent Dengue Fever globally. All of the international presenters had been in Pakistan during the Dengue outbreak and appreciated the enormity of the challenge and the initiatives taken by the Punjab government and other provinces to tackle this global threat.
The first presentation by Dr Rita Kusriastuti, Director of Vector Control in Indonesia, expressed the importance of preparation and timely response. She stated that dengue could be controlled only when everyone works together. Dr H El Bushra, Regional Advisor for communicable disease surveillance and response at WHO Regional Office of Eastern Mediterranean, emphasised the commitment of the WHO Regional Office to support Pakistan in the fight against Dengue. He showed the importance of accurate reporting from different sectors and using the data to respond appropriately.
Dr Raman Velayudhan, WHO/HQ, presented WHO strategy for Integrated Vector Management which is adjusted to attack together the three similar vectors for Dengue, Malaria and Leishmaniasis in Pakistan. He also reviewed the WHO pesticide evaluation scheme which is a valuable and comprehensive guide for choosing the effective insecticides.
