Islamabad: Pakistan’s federal health authorities have reported a sharp 64 percent decline in dengue cases across Islamabad this year compared to 2024, crediting intensive daily inspections, hospital readiness checks and round-the-clock fogging operations directed by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MoNHSR&C), officials said on Sunday.
Citing official data, they said 1,137 dengue cases were recorded from August to early October 2025, down from 3,166 during the same period last year. The drop followed an earlier-than-usual uptick in August but a notably weaker September–October peak. Officials said the improvement reflects tighter vector control, favourable weather and stronger public cooperation.
Providing details, Director General Health Dr. Ayesha Isani said Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has been personally leading dengue control efforts through a series of high-level meetings and field reviews.
She said the minister had launched the national dengue awareness campaign at Islamabad’s F-9 Park on September 17 to mobilise the public, media and civic authorities for early vector control. This was followed by a major meeting on September 30 at his office, attended by senior officers from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and the MoNHSR&C, to review surveillance data, discuss supply readiness and coordinate emergency response plans.
The third meeting, held on October 1, was a comprehensive inter-agency review chaired by the minister with the Islamabad and Rawalpindi administrations to intensify vector surveillance, fogging and hospital preparedness.
A follow-up meeting with MNAs was held the next day to coordinate constituency-level efforts and nominate focal persons to liaise with the District Health Office and ICT Administration. “Zero tolerance for complacency” was the guiding message as the minister ordered data-driven hotspot operations and synchronised fogging schedules.
She said Secretary Health Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh is personally overseeing daily command meetings bringing together the DG Health, Deputy Commissioner ICT, DHO and heads of federal hospitals to monitor entomological indices, review case trends and direct rapid field deployments. Dedicated field teams have been formed under MoNHSR&C to inspect tertiary and primary care facilities using a standardised checklist that verifies triage readiness, diagnostics, referral pathways and infection control compliance.
The ministry’s weekly inspection roster shows senior officers assigned to all major federal hospitals—PIMS, Polyclinic, NIRM and FGH—along with rural health centres in Bhara Kahu, Sihala, Tarlai, Rawat and Tarnol for daily supervision. Each team includes joint and deputy secretaries, section officers and programme directors responsible for checking dengue wards, medicine stocks, diagnostic availability, sanitation and staff presence.
Hospitals have set up dedicated dengue counters for patient registration and guidance, with clear signage and information leaflets displayed at entrances and waiting areas. The inspection checklist also requires round-the-clock CBC testing, availability of IV fluids and paracetamol, functional HDUs for severe cases and access to safe blood or platelets when required.
To expand fogging coverage, the ministry deployed six new vehicle-mounted 60-litre foggers—two each for Bhara Kahu and Rawat, and one each for Tarlai and Tarnol—in addition to three existing units. Operations are coordinated daily with the CDA and DC Office to ensure post-rain source reduction and hotspot coverage.
Public awareness activities have intensified across schools, government offices and residential areas. Banners and precautionary notices have been placed at all federal hospitals and health centres, urging citizens to follow the ministry’s “5 S” message: Search and eliminate stagnant water, Self-protect with repellents and clothing, Support fogging in hotspot areas, Seek early medical care at dengue counters and Sustain hydration.
“Our daily command meetings, strict field verification and targeted fogging reflect a united response under the leadership of Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and the close supervision of Secretary Health Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh,” Dr. Isani said, urging citizens to remove standing water and seek prompt medical care for fever or body aches. “Together, we will keep Islamabad safe.”
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