Mortein’s ‘Killer’ Stroke
In the last few years, as part of their long-term Dengue se paak Pakistan CSR campaign, Reckitt Benckiser (RB) Pakistan have launched various initiatives to reduce the incidence of dengue in Pakistan. The latest development, the installation of mosquito-killer billboards last month across Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore, is according to Shahzeb Mahmood, CEO, RB Pakistan, “yet another testament of our pledge for a dengue-free Pakistan.”
A quick look at the statistics presents an alarming picture. In the last six years, Pakistan has witnessed more than 65,000 cases of dengue nationwide. Last year alone, 3,000 cases were reported in Punjab, while Sindh accounted for more than 2,000. With more than 195 reported cases this year in Karachi alone (source: Prevention and Control Programme for Dengue in Sindh), the threat is more real than ever.
The billboards have built-in exhaust fans, which ‘pull in’ any mosquitoes that come too near and trap them, where they eventually dehydrate and die.
While there has been an increase in the sales of mosquito repellent products and pesticides, (thanks to growing awareness about dengue), the problem of mosquito protection in open spaces continues to plague people – and the health authorities. With the weather forecast to stay hot and humid in the densely populated central and southern regions of Pakistan, the Aedes mosquito will have ideal breeding conditions.