04/06/2026
The Cabinet Committee Meeting was convened under the esteemed chairmanship of Minister for Specialized Health Care Khawaja Salman Rafiq and Minister for Health and Population Khawaja Imran Nazir.
During the session, Dean of the Institute of Public Health, Prof. Dr. Saira Afzal, delivered a comprehensive and insightful presentation highlighting evidence-based practices and the latest research advancements in dengue prevention. She elaborated on strengthened surveillance systems, efficient alert generation mechanisms, and the critical role of public health laboratories, including BSL-3 facilities, in PCR testing for identifying dengue serotypes and mutations.
Her presentation also emphasized how evolving dengue vectors are contributing to the spread across districts, along with ongoing validation research studies to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of dengue diagnostic testing available in the region.
Prof. Dr. Saira Afzal’s exceptional expertise, dedication, and visionary leadership in public health research were truly commendable. Her work continues to set a benchmark in advancing dengue control strategies and safeguarding community health.
DengueSurveillance BSL3 PCRTesting ResearchExcellence ProfSairaAfzal HealthForAll