Punjab Government Issues Urgent Dengue Prevention Guidelines for Schools–Notification

Strict Compliance Required: SOPs for Dengue Control in Punjab Educational Institutions:

The Government of Punjab’s School Education Department, through its Monitoring Wing, has issued an important directive regarding the prevention and control of dengue in the province. The memorandum, dated 27^th January 2025, highlights the growing concerns surrounding the dengue virus, particularly with the shift from DENV-1 to DENV-2, which is linked to more severe forms of the disease, including dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). With the colder months offering an opportunity to reduce the burden of dengue, the department stresses the need for all relevant educational departments and institutions to take proactive measures to combat the spread of dengue. The directive outlines a series of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that must be implemented across educational institutions, including schools, to minimize the risk of dengue transmission and protect students and staff from the potential dangers of the virus. Notification Describes;

MOST IMPORTANT

No. DD(M)/Dengue/2025
GOVERNMENT OF THE PUNJAB
SCHOOL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
 (MONITORING WING)

Dated Lahore the 27^th January, 2025

To,

1)            The Managing Director, Punjab Education Foundation (PEF), Lahore

2)            The Chief Executive Officer, Punjab Education Initiatives Management Authority (PEIMA), Lahore.

3)           Director General, Quaid-e-Azam Academy for Educational Development (QAED), Lahore

4)           The Chief Executive Officer, the Punjab Danish Schools and Center of Excellence Authority, Lahore

All the Chief Executive Officers (DEAs), Punjab

SUBJECT:             REITERATION OF ROLE OF LINE DEPRTMENTS IN DENGUE PREVENTION AND CONTROL

                              I am directed to refer to the subject cited above and to intimte that Secretary, Govt. of the Punjab, Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department informed that as the colder months provide a unique opportunity to minimize the burden of dengue in the upcoming season. Moreover, it is imperative that all the departments use this time to strengthen surveillance and preventive measures. The shift from DENV-1 (5% in 2024) to DENV-2 (95% in 2024), which is associated with severe forms of dengue, including dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), has heightened the risk for younger populations, as evidenced by recent reports from Rawalpindi. Furthermore, the situation demands an intensified, collaborative response to ensure that the dengue menance is effectively cutailed. In this regard, please take proactive steps to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for dengue prevention and control. Following SOPs must be Implemented: –

• Organizing Zero Periods for dengue awareness in schools.
• Display of dengue awareness charts in schools.
• Organizing health awareness campaigns.
• Maintenance of vetor free environment
• Enforcement of student uniform related instructions.
• Ensure parents’ participation and registration in seminars.
• Registration of volunteers.
• Supervision of all public and private schools for implementation of directions on Dengue.
• Android-Based Reporting through registered users for real-time housekeeping activity monitoring.
• House Keeping (including cleanliness, removal of junk, inspection of roof tops, air coolers, water coolers / dispensers, removal of stagnant water).

3.                           I am further directed to request you to ensure the implementation of above said directions in letter and spirit and also disseminate the same at all levels for its strict compliance.

THIS MAY BE TREATED ON TOP PRIORITY

Deputy Director (Monitoring)

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Government of Punjab has issued a clear and urgent call for the collective effort of various educational and health-related departments to combat dengue effectively. The SOPs outlined in the memorandum are designed to ensure that schools play a key role in raising awareness, maintaining cleanliness, and preventing the breeding of mosquitoes that transmit the disease. By organizing awareness campaigns, ensuring proper hygiene practices, and engaging parents and volunteers in the efforts, the government aims to create a strong, coordinated response to the dengue threat. The message emphasizes the importance of strict compliance with these measures to safeguard public health, particularly among the younger population who are at higher risk due to the shift in dengue strains. The commitment to these actions, coupled with real-time reporting and supervision, will be essential in controlling the spread of dengue and ensuring a safe, healthy environment for students and communities across Punjab.

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