KP Launches Province-Wide Dengue Prevention Plan

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Health Department has launched the Dengue Action Plan 2026 across the province as an early step to prevent possible dengue outbreaks and protect public health.

The plan was approved by the chief secretary of KP, and its implementation was formally launched during a meeting chaired by the health minister and the secretary of health.

During the meeting, officials reviewed the current dengue situation and stressed the need for strong coordination, timely reporting, and early preventive measures ahead of the peak dengue season. Authorities said the government is taking proactive steps to reduce outbreak risks and ensure preparedness at all levels.

Following the meeting, the Directorate General Health Services (DGHS) issued official letters to all deputy commissioners, district health officers, and medical superintendents across the province. The letters directed them to strictly implement the Dengue Action Plan in line with the approved strategy.

As part of the plan, District Dengue Prevention and Response Units are being set up in all districts. These units will monitor dengue-related activities, coordinate field operations, and ensure rapid response to suspected cases.

District and hospital focal persons are also being nominated to strengthen surveillance, reporting, and case management.

An early advisory on dengue prevention and control has also been issued across the province. The advisory focuses on public awareness, removal of mosquito breeding sites, early detection of cases, and immediate response.

Health officials believe early awareness and preparedness will play a key role in controlling the spread of dengue.

To strengthen surveillance, all public sector laboratories at Medical Teaching Institutions and District Headquarters hospitals under the Public Health Laboratory Network K-P have been instructed to submit complete weekly dengue case reports.

The Health Department has also contacted the Health Care Commission to support the inclusion of private hospital chains in the dengue reporting system. This move aims to ensure complete surveillance and accurate data collection from both public and private health facilities.

At the provincial level, the Provincial Dengue Prevention and Response Unit at the DGHS office has started coordination activities to oversee effective implementation of the plan, monitor district performance, and provide timely guidance and support to field teams.

Health authorities at DGHS-K-P said that coordinated efforts, strict monitoring, and public cooperation will help the Dengue Action Plan 2026 minimize the impact of dengue and protect communities across the province.