KP launches Dengue Action Plan 2026 ahead of season to prevent outbreaks

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Feb, 2026) The Health Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has launched the Dengue Action Plan 2026 across the province as an early measure to prevent possible outbreaks and protect public health.

The plan was approved by the Chief Secretary KP and its implementation was formally initiated in a meeting chaired by the Health Minister and Secretary Health.

The meeting reviewed the current dengue situation and emphasized strong coordination, timely reporting, and preventive steps before the peak season. Officials stated that the government is taking proactive measures to reduce the risk of outbreaks and ensure preparedness at all levels.

Following the meeting, the Directorate General Health Services issued official letters to all Deputy Commissioners, District Health Officers, and Medical Superintendents across the province. They have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the Dengue Action Plan 2026 in line with the approved strategy.

According to the plan District Dengue Prevention and Response Units are being established in all districts. These units will monitor dengue related activities, coordinate field operations, and ensure a rapid response to suspected cases.

District and hospital focal persons are also being nominated to strengthen surveillance, reporting, and case management.

An early advisory on dengue prevention and control has been circulated province wide.

The advisory highlights public awareness, removal of mosquito breeding sites, early case detection, and immediate response. Health officials believe that timely awareness and preparedness will play a key role in controlling the spread of the disease.

To further strengthen surveillance, all public sector laboratories of Medical Teaching Institutions and District Headquarters hospitals under the Public Health Laboratory Network Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been directed to submit complete weekly dengue case reports. The network functions under the Public Health Reference Laboratory at Khyber Medical University.

In addition, communication has been sent to the Health Care Commission to support the inclusion of private hospital chains in the dengue reporting system. This step will help ensure comprehensive surveillance and accurate data collection from both public and private health facilities.

At the provincial level, the Provincial Dengue Prevention and Response Unit at the DGHS office has started coordination activities to ensure effective implementation of the plan. The unit will monitor district performance and provide timely guidance and support to field teams.

Health authorities in DGHS-KP said that with coordinated efforts, strict monitoring, and public cooperation, the Dengue Action Plan 2026 will help minimize the impact of dengue and safeguard communities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.