CDA observes world Malaria Day
By Hina Kiyani

ISLAMABAD—The Directorate of Health Services (DHS) of Capital Development Authority (CDA) Friday observed World Malaria Day by arranging awareness exhibition, free blood testing camp and number of other events.
The DHS arranged an exhibition in which different instruments, machines including Thermal fogging machines, spray machine were displayed. Besides pamphlets were distributed for creation of awareness among the public. Banners have also been displayed at different prominent places of Federal Capital.
In addition, a free blood testing camp for malaria diagnosis was also set up at DHS. The doctor guided the visiting people how to protect themselves from the disease. Dr. Saeed Ahmed, Senior Director DHS informed that malaria is the most prevalent and devastating parasitic disease in tropical countries and has compelled the attention of the public health workers and policy makers.
He said it kills more people than any other communicable disease expect tuberculosis. According to a recent world wide survey, out of 5.4 billion of world population, 40 percent are at the risk of malaria infection in some of 90 countries.
Globally, there are 300 to 500 million clinical cases of malaria and 1,426 million deaths annually or 6000 to 7000 deaths per day, and in Pakistan half million people are infected from this disease. Dr. Saeed informed that major malaria transmission season in Pakistan is post-monsoon (September to November).
He said DHS has started aggressive programmes for malaria control by spraying anti malaria spray in 35 nullahs in Islamabad to arrest the growth of mosquitoes. Agencies Add: World Malaria day Friday was observed here to create awareness for the menace that is victimizing 7000 people every day.
To create awareness for prevention of Malaria different national and international organizations held seminars, workshops and symposiums, in this connection directorate of health services also arranged an exhibition that display different implements for prevention of malaria and display banners at prominent places in Islamabad. Senior director Health Dr. Saeed Ahmad told in his message that “malaria is the most prevalent and contagious disease and kills more people than any other communicable disease”.
According to a worldwide survey out of 5.4 billion of world population, 40 % are at the risk of infected malaria in some 90 countries and globally about 6000-7000 peoples are becoming victim of this menace every day. In Pakistan malaria is the second most prevalent and devastating disease after tuberculosis and major malaria transmission season in Pakistan are post –monsoon said the director of health Dr. Saeed Ahmad . Directorate of health has started an aggressive program to address the disease and to curb the menace 35 nullahs and 18 ponds in Islamabad are being sprayed to arrest the growth of mosquitoes.