On the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, the Anti-Dengue Day was observed at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agrioculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) here on Saturday on July 23, 2016. A Walk and seminar were arranged at University to raise awareness about the dengue and its prevention from this disease.

The seminar was organized by the Department of Entomology, PMAS-AAUR and was attended by all academic heads, faculty members, staff and students of the university.

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

He directed the chairpersons to personally monitor cleanliness regarding dengue and make necessary arrangements regarding disposal of waste material, condemned articles and debris of construction material which may cause storage of water and provide favorable breeding ground for dengue mosquitoes.  Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad also informed the attendees that the dengue eradication campaign is on top of the agenda by the University Administration. "No carelessness regarding the campaign is tolerated. Dengue prevention at University and around the city is a priority as the youth is the future of our country and their protection is of utmost importance," he said.

Vice Chancellor appreciated the efforts of Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif against the Dengue Fever and hoped that the steps taken by the Punjab government would continue to be implemented every year to save millions of people from this disease and urged the students and teachers to take active part in the dengue awareness campaign of Punjab government.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Atta-ul-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 the control of various developmental stages of dengue from its eggs to larva and full grown mosquitoes. Speakers recommended various preventive measures against the dengue mosquitoes and stressed on collective preventive measures against the dengue menace. They urged the university employees and students to ensure cleanliness of the campus and homes.

An awareness walk, led by PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad, was also arranged to create awareness against dengue fever. The participants of the walk were carrying banners and posters bearing precautionary measures against Dengue and urging the citizens to maintain cleanness in and around their homes. The participants of walk reiterated their commitment to curb the disease. Participants also distributed awareness pamphlets among the public in front of the University.