A speaker at the international dengue conference in Lahore29 February 2012 – An international conference on dengue fever, organized by WHO, the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Punjab, was held today in Lahore.

The outbreak of dengue fever last year in Pakistan, and especially in Lahore, was the largest ever experienced. Dr Guido Sabatinelli, WHO Representative, told the conference that WHO is working with the Government of Pakistan to to avoid a repeat of the situation this year.

Dr Hussein A. Gezairy, WHO Special Envoy for Polio Eradication and Primary Health Care, stated that WHO will provide technical assistance to the Government of Punjab to curb dengue.

To combat the disease, surveillance and vector control against both larva and adult mosquitoes needs to be improved through consultation between and local and international partners.

The conference was a chance for Pakistani experts to engage in dialogue with international experts on dengue in order to prevent and control the disease.