PESHAWAR: Secretary Health Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Aslam Wazir on Monday conducted surprise visit to various areas of Peshawar to inspect the ongoing efforts in combating polio and dengue within the province.

Accompanied by the District Health Officer of Peshawar and Dengue Focal Person Dr Ikram Ullah Khan, Secretary Mahmood Aslam Wazir visited medical centres established within Union Council Khalisa 1 and Khalisa 2 of Peshawar.

During the visit, Secretary Mahmood Aslam Wazir interacted with the polio vaccination teams and assessed the arrangements in place to combat the looming threat of dengue.

In addition to these inspections, Secretary Health and a team of epidemiologists engaged with the local community to amplify awareness about the critical importance of preventing the spread of dengue, with a special emphasis on mosquito control measures.

This outreach initiative involved evaluating tire shops and standing water in various areas, with Secretary Mahmood Aslam Wazir personally educating residents about how stagnant water can become breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Underlining the government's unwavering commitment to eradicating polio from the region, Secretary Health Mahmood Aslam Wazir officially launched the polio vaccination campaign by personally administering polio drops to a child.

The polio vaccination campaign commenced on October 2, with coordinated efforts spanning five divisions, including Peshawar, Kohat, Mardan, Malakand, and Hazara.