02/10/2025
Under the directives of the Deputy Commissioner Lower Dir and under the leadership of the District Health Officer, Dr. Niaz Muhammad Afridi, a three-day Quick Response Campaign against vector-borne diseases was successfully conducted at Afghan Refugee Camp, Taimer, and the surrounding areas from 29th September to 1st October 2025. The campaign was technically supervised by the District Medical Entomologist Dr Abdul Waris and was implemented with the close collaboration of multiple line departments. The Dir College of Nursing (Team DCN), under the leadership of its CEO Dr. Abdul Waris, played a central role throughout the campaign as both male and female students of DCN actively participated in awareness, medical support, and surveillance activities, proving their strong commitment to community health and preventive practices.
Awareness and mobilization activities were carried out extensively by Team DCN students in schools, madrasas, and community centers where they educated the public on preventive measures against Malaria, Dengue, and Leishmaniasis with a special focus on personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and early diagnosis. To strengthen community outreach, the students also engaged religious leaders (Ulema) and local elders (Masharan) who helped in spreading the health messages more effectively at the grassroots level. At the same time, Civil Defense teams and TMA staff worked on solid waste clearance, drainage cleaning, and larval source management while nursing students reinforced these activities with health education and mobilization of households.
In terms of medical services, Team DCN students supported the District Health Department and Indus Hospital teams at AR BHU, Camp 2, and Sawoji Mohallah where a total of 464 patients were screened. Out of these, 137 were diagnosed with Malaria and treated immediately with free antimalarial medicines. Diagnostic kits (RDTs) were provided by Indus Hospital and students of DCN assisted in patient registration, diagnostic procedures, health counseling, and treatment support under the supervision of medical professionals, ensuring smooth delivery of care to vulnerable populations.
Surveillance activities were another important part of the campaign where female students from DCN visited 155 households and inspected 1,040 water containers, of which 17 were found positive for Dengue larvae and were destroyed on the spot. Outdoor surveillance was also conducted jointly by DCN students and TMA teams, covering 140 sites where three breeding sites were identified and treated immediately through chemical control. These activities were carried out under the technical supervision of the District Medical Entomologist and his team, ensuring scientific accuracy and timely interventions.
The third and final day of the campaign marked the successful conclusion of these activities. Team DCN stood out as a frontline partner and its students were recognized for their discipline, energy, and devotion to public service. The District Health Officer, Dr. Niaz Muhammad Afridi, in his closing remarks, praised the collective teamwork of all departments and gave special appreciation to Dir College of Nursing for its strong presence and meaningful contribution under the leadership of CEO Dr. Abdul Waris.
This campaign significantly enhanced community awareness, reduced larval presence, and strengthened preparedness in vulnerable areas against vector-borne diseases. The three-day event stands as a successful model of interdepartmental collaboration where academic institutions like Dir College of Nursing demonstrated their ability to contribute directly to public health. Team DCN reaffirms its commitment to nursing education, preventive healthcare, and community service, and will continue to support district-level initiatives aimed at safeguarding the health of the population.
