Authorities in Rawalpindi have launched the annual anti-dengue campaign with the arrival of spring and have finalized a comprehensive dengue prevention plan for 2026 to curb potential outbreaks.
To strengthen surveillance and response, officials have divided Rawalpindi district into five sectors, seven zones, and 70 cluster centres, each assigned dedicated in-charges.
Areas that reported dengue cases during the past three years have been declared hotspots.
Health experts warn that continuous sunshine during spring creates favorable conditions for dengue larvae growth. Authorities have received new spray pumps, chemicals, and kits, while anti-dengue review meetings will begin next week.
The government has also approved the recruitment of 3,000 daily-wage male and female dengue workers next month, and leaves of existing workers have been cancelled to ensure full operational readiness.
However, controversy has emerged after authorities decided not to provide mobile phones and internet facilities to around 1,400 dengue workers this year.
Workers have protested the decision, saying they are required to send daily photos and videos of field activities using personal devices and internet packages despite earning between Rs30,000 and Rs35,000 per month.
Meanwhile, the Health Department has issued new standard operating procedures for public and private schools, directing them to begin dengue awareness sessions, conduct weekly awareness walks, display banners, and maintain the cleanliness of rooftops, washrooms, and water tanks.
Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema has ordered all departments to immediately intensify anti-dengue operations, while hospitals are set to activate dengue wards next month.
