 Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 16: All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jammu successfully organized a comprehensive three-day programme to mark National Dengue Day under the theme "Community Participation in Dengue Control: Check, Clean, and Cover." The initiative was conducted through a collaborative effort of the Departments of Community Medicine, Family Medicine, General Medicine, and Microbiology with the objective of promoting awareness regarding prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases.
The programme commenced on May 14 with extensive awareness and source reduction activities. A team from the Department of Community Medicine, in collaboration with the District Health Society, conducted an awareness session at Government Middle School, Jhang, where students and staff were sensitized about dengue prevention, mosquito breeding control, use of repellents, and personal protective measures. Simultaneously, a source reduction drive was carried out across the residential complex of AIIMS Jammu to identify and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites including stagnant water in containers, flowerpots, and unused areas.
On May 15, awareness activities were organized in the Main OPD and AYUSH Block of AIIMS Jammu. Faculty members and residents educated patients and attendants about the symptoms of dengue, including high fever, severe body ache, retro-orbital pain, and warning signs requiring immediate medical attention. The public was encouraged to follow the "Check, Clean, and Cover" strategy by regularly inspecting surroundings, cleaning water storage containers, and keeping all water sources properly covered.
To further strengthen academic engagement and practical understanding among future healthcare professionals, a quiz competition for undergraduate MBBS students was organized on May 16. The event focused on dengue diagnosis, clinical management, preventive strategies, and epidemiological control, encouraging students to actively participate in public health preparedness.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) D. N. Sharma, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in combating vector-borne diseases. He stated that community participation, awareness, and timely preventive measures are the strongest tools in controlling the spread of dengue. He appreciated the coordinated efforts of the departments involved and urged citizens to remain vigilant, especially during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, by maintaining cleanliness and preventing water stagnation in and around their surroundings.
The three-day programme concluded with a strong message that effective dengue prevention requires active participation from every section of society and that awareness at the community level remains essential for safeguarding public health. |
