Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif said that dengue had been controlled effectively this year but the war against this fatal virus would continue till its complete eradication.
He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural ceremony of International Dengue Conference at Aiwan-e-Iqbal on Saturday.
He said the worst virus of Pakistan’s history was faced with courage, commitment and determination and by the grace of the
Almighty and help of the entire government machinery and political companions, no death occurred due to dengue this year.
Special Health Assistant Khawaja Salman Rafique, Perviaz Malik, members of provincial assembly, expert doctors from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia, secretaries of concerned departments, doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, spray men, volunteers who took part in anti-dengue campaign and concerned citizens were present on the occasion.
Sharif said there were 21,000 dengue patients last year with a death toll of 252 while this year only 252 patients had been reported and no death occurred.
Sharif appreciated the performance of all those who took part in anti-dengue campaigns including heads of all departments, staff, police, administration and information department.
The CM also distributed commendatory certificates among the officers and officials of various departments who showed extraordinary performance during the campaign.
Sri Lankan experts Fernando and Dr Tesira, Thai expert
Dr Suchitra and Dr Wasim Akram also addressed the inaugural ceremony.
