Daily Times

RAWALPINDI: On the directives of the Punjab chief minister, anti-dengue day was observed at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) on Saturday.

In this connection, a seminar was arranged at the university to raise awareness about prevention from the disease. The seminar was organised by the Department of Entomology and was attended by all academic heads, faculty members, staff and students of the university.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Rai said that awareness played a key role in fight against dengue because prevention was far better than cure. He stressed the need to promote awareness about dengue in all segments of society, especially among students thus enabling them to curb the menace. He said that it was the responsibility of every citizen to play his role for controlling dengue and protecting citizens from this dangerous disease by adopting precautionary measures.

He directed the chairpersons to personally monitor cleanliness campaign and make necessary arrangements for disposal of waste material, condemned articles and debris of construction material which might cause storage of water and provide favourable breeding ground for dengue mosquitoes. Dr Niaz Ahmad also informed the attendees that dengue eradication campaign was on top of the university’s agenda.

The vice chancellor appreciated the efforts of the chief minister against dengue and hoped that the steps being taken by the Punjab government would continue to be implemented every year to save millions of people from the disease. He urged students and teachers to take active part in dengue awareness campaign launched by the Punjab government.

Prof Dr Muhammad Attaul Mohsin and Dr Muhammad Tariq of Department of Entomology gave presentations on various aspects of dengue fever, its various stages and prevention and control. They also highlighted various developmental stages of dengue from eggs to larva and full-grown mosquitoes. They recommended various preventive measures against the dengue mosquitoes and laid stress on collective preventive measures against the menace. They urged university employees and students to ensure cleanliness of the campus and houses.

An awareness walk, led the vice chancellor, was also arranged. Participants of the walk were carrying banners and posters bearing precautionary measures against dengue and urging citizens to maintain cleanliness in and around their houses. Participants reiterated their commitment to curb the disease. They also distributed awareness pamphlets among public in front of the university.