Dengue and Malaria Awareness Drive at France Colony, F7 Islamabad

Student-led Dengue and Malaria Awareness Drive was held on July 7, 2024, at France Colony, F-7/4 Islamabad. Organized by VFAHT-LC SCM in collaboration with VFAHT-LC RMU, this event was a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of our community. 1. General Awareness Drive: The journey began with a determined outreach across the colony, where dedicated volunteers, embodying the spirit of service, engaged in meaningful conversations with residents. Through door-to-door visits, they distributed meticulously prepared brochures and passionately emphasized the importance of cleanliness and proper waste disposal as the first line of defense against dengue and malaria. We conveyed the critical need for the regular use of mosquito repellents, protective clothing, and the elimination of stagnant water—simple yet powerful actions that could save lives. The importance of this mission was underscored by a thorough briefing conducted by the VFAHT-SCM Project Director for Dengue and Malaria, where our team was equipped with in-depth knowledge and guidance, ensuring they could convey this vital information with clarity and compassion. 2. Seminar and Presentation The drive ended with a profound seminar at the local church in the France Colony, led by Associate Professor Dr. Sajida Naseem, the esteemed Head of Community Medicine at Shifa College of Medicine. The seminar was not just an exchange of information, but a call to action, a heartfelt plea to the community to take control of their health and future. Dr. Sajida’s presentation was a masterful blend of science and empathy, delivered in Urdu to ensure accessibility for all attendees. Through visual aids and clear explanations, she unraveled the complexities of dengue and malaria, making the path to prevention and treatment accessible. The audience, deeply engaged, absorbed the knowledge with a sense of responsibility. The seminar concluded with an open and candid Q&A session, where residents voiced their concerns and received thoughtful, accurate responses. This dialogue was the breaking of barriers, dispelling of fears, and strengthening of our community’s resolve to fight these diseases together. Moving Forward As we reflect on this impactful day, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who played a role in making this awareness drive a success. It is through these collective efforts that we build a resilient community, one that is informed, prepared, and united against the threats of dengue and malaria. The battle against these diseases is far from over, but with continued vigilance, proactive measures, and the unwavering spirit of our community, we will reduce their impact and protect the lives of our loved ones. Let us carry forward the knowledge shared, and the connections made during this drive, turning awareness into action and challenges into victories.