District response units being established across province, private hospitals to be included in reporting system
PESHAWAR:
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Health Department has launched the Dengue Action Plan 2026 across the province on Friday as an early measure to prevent possible outbreaks and protect public health. The plan was approved by the chief secretary of K-P, and its implementation was formally initiated in a meeting chaired by the health minister and secretary health.
The meeting reviewed the current dengue situation and emphasised strong coordination, timely reporting, and preventive steps before the peak season. Officials stated that the government is taking proactive measures to reduce the risk of outbreaks and ensure preparedness at all levels.
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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, directing them to ensure strict implementation of the plan in line with the approved strategy.
Under the plan, District Dengue Prevention and Response Units are being established in all districts. These units will monitor dengue-related activities, coordinate field operations, and ensure a 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 been circulated province-wide, highlighting public awareness, removal of mosquito breeding sites, early case detection, and immediate response. Health officials believe that timely awareness and preparedness will play a key role in controlling the spread of the disease.
To further strengthen surveillance, all public sector laboratories of Medical Teaching Institutions and District Headquarters hospitals under the Public Health Laboratory Network K-P have been directed to submit complete weekly dengue case reports. The network functions under the Public Health Reference Laboratory at Khyber Medical University.
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Communication has also been sent to the Health Care Commission to support the inclusion of private hospital chains in the dengue reporting system, a step aimed at ensuring comprehensive 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 begun 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 with coordinated efforts, strict monitoring, and public cooperation, the Dengue Action Plan 2026 will help minimise the impact of dengue and safeguard communities across the province.
