With the onset of spring, the anti-dengue campaign has been launched in Rawalpindi, and a new anti-dengue plan for 2026 has been finalised.

To control dengue, Rawalpindi district has been divided into five sectors, seven zones, and 70 cluster centres, each with separate in-charges.

All areas that reported dengue cases over the past three years have been declared hotspots. Medical experts have termed continuous sunshine during spring as ideal conditions for the spread of dengue larvae.

New spray pumps, sprays, and kits have been delivered from the DG Health Office, and official anti-dengue meetings are scheduled to begin next week.

Approval has been granted for the recruitment of 3,000 daily-wage male and female dengue workers next month.

New SOPs have also been issued for all public and private educational institutions, while leaves of dengue workers have been cancelled.

However, a decision has been made not to provide 1,400 dengue workers with official mobile phones and government internet this year as well, triggering protests by workers.

The Health Department has issued strict instructions directing workers to send daily photos and videos of anti-dengue activities using personal mobile phones and personal internet packages, warning of termination under the PEEDA Act for non-compliance.

Workers stated that their salaries range between Rs30,000 and Rs35,000, while a basic mobile phone costs Rs30,000 to Rs40,000, and monthly internet packages required for heavy data usage cost between Rs2,000 and Rs2,600. They questioned how they could bear these expenses.

Meanwhile, DG Health Services has issued new SOPs for schools, directing them to start zero dengue periods from February 9, display awareness banners, conduct weekly awareness walks and seminars, and ensure the cleanliness of rooftops, washrooms, and water tanks.

Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema has directed all departments to immediately launch anti-dengue campaigns, while dengue wards in hospitals will be activated next month.