Ahmad Rajwana

Dengue Prevention & Control: the Lahore Model of Success Ahmad Rajwana

This is the story of a large epidemic which plagued various cities of Punjab province of Pakistan, particularly the capital city Lahore. The lethal Dengue virus had already ravaged countries such as Sri Lanka and Indonesia for 30 years. Just like the West Nile virus which has incidences in North America, Dengue is a mosquito vector epidemic. But contrary to the expected damages, as estimated by the World Health Organization's (WHO) figure of 50 million global cases annually, Lahore was able to confine the casualties to 21,292 cases with 352 deaths in 2011, whereas historic data had predicted a 300% higher rate. This was due to a rapid yet integrated plan of action formulated by the government, in which a War Room was established at the Chief Minister's office. The book highlights the roles played by each government department and describes the strategy adopted which led to the success of the Lahore Model for Dengue Prevention & Control. It presents scientific empirical data analysis coupled with a GIS study to validate its findings. The success of this model was further validated in 2012 (consequent to the publication of the book) when the number of casualties was reduced to merely 123 with zero deaths. The book can be used by government practitioners to replicate parts of the methodology used to control the epidemic. It can also be used by researchers as an original primary reference towards future research. Academia can use this as a ground-breaking reference for teaching epidemic control particularly in the field of Public Health/Administration. Finally, the book can be used as an easy reading by general public to take precautionary measures against the epidemic. Simply speaking, the book can be used to save precious lives. "A quick and easy read, without technical jargon; written by government practitioners who risked their own lives working in Dengue wards; an essential reference for any study on epidemic and public health in Pakistan; a potent tool for government officers combating any epidemic" Rina Saeed Khan Winner of the Earth Journalism Award, COP-15, Copenhagen Foreword by: Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif Chief Minister Punjab