KARACHI: Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Haider Shah chaired an emergency meeting to review the province’s dengue situation and directed authorities to launch Union Council–wise fumigation and larval control drives across Sindh.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner Karachi, Secretary Local Government, Director General Health Services, all Divisional Commissioners, and senior health officials.
According to the Directorate General Health Services Sindh, 982 dengue cases have been reported from January to October 2025. Of these, 641 cases were reported in Karachi and 178 in Hyderabad, while other divisions recorded fewer cases. Two dengue-related deaths were confirmed — one in Karachi East and one in Hyderabad.
To provide treatment facilities, 239 hospitals across the province have established dedicated dengue wards with 1,289 beds, and 117 government laboratories are offering free dengue testing. Around 23,000 testing kits have been distributed to hospitals.
The Chief Secretary directed Deputy Commissioners to coordinate with the Health Department and the Dengue Control Programme to eliminate mosquito breeding sites through immediate fumigation at nurseries, tyre shops, construction sites, and other stagnant water areas. He ordered that scientific methods of spraying be used and UC-level fumigation plans be implemented without delay.
He instructed all DCs to visit dengue wards in their respective districts to ensure availability of staff and medical facilities, warning that no negligence would be tolerated.
A province-wide awareness campaign will also be launched to educate the public on dengue prevention, early symptoms, and control measures. The Education Department has been asked to guide students about dengue prevention during morning assemblies.
A dedicated control room for dengue monitoring will be activated immediately to coordinate response efforts across all districts. Public hospitals will continue to provide free dengue testing and treatment, while private hospitals have been urged to reduce test charges.
Citizens have been advised to keep their surroundings clean, avoid stagnant water, and report dengue symptoms to nearby health facilities or through the Health Department Helpline (022-9240114).
