Experts call for precautionary measures against zoonotic diseases

CHITRAL, April 21: A four-day capacity building workshop on Biosafety against zoonotic diseases reporting and surveillance for social health clubs master trainers under “Livestock for Life” was concluded under the umbrella of Relief International. Medical Superintendent DHQ hospital Chitral, Dr Noorul Islam was chief guest on the occasion who distributed certificates among the trainee participants. Dr. Riazur Rehman, district program manager of Relief International (RI) and other experts briefed the participants including teachers of different schools about Pneumonia,  Brucellosis, Bird flu and other zoonotic diseases which are transferable from animal to human and vice versa. They said 296 diseases had been declared as zoonotic out of 353 diseases which was a big threat to those who had close links with animal. Experts stressed upon trainees to motivate their students in regard of adopting precautionary measurement and using safety devices during contact with animal. We should use protective mask, glows, shoes etc when we go near animals and should use boiled milk, meat and other edible things to protect ourselves from these diseases, they added. They stressed on strengthening immunity system by behavioral and physiological means which protect us naturally from different diseases.  They recommend to follow health and hygiene principles for a healthy life. A question answer session was also held during the workshop and responded by expert doctors. At last, chief guest Dr. Noorul Islam distributed certificates among the successful participants. The participants thanked RI for conducting this informative and fruitful session for sensitization teachers to alert their students onward about zoonotic diseases. RI also opened butcher shop at Kroprisht market. A gathering was held in this connection at town hall. Assistant Commissioner Chitral Noorul Ameen was chief guest on the occasion while the ceremony was also attended by chief Municipal officer Muhammad Zahir Khan, Magistrates district administration, president trade union Haji Habib Hussain and journalists of press club. Addressing on the occasion Dr. Riaz DPM said that RI opened a model butcher shop as a symbol of hygienic shop by providing it with refrigerator and other equipments and hoped that it would motivate other butchers to take measures in this regard. He counseled the shopkeeper to clean their shops and to separate it from poultry, greengrocers, backers and edible things. AC Chitral cut ribbon of model butcher shop and inaugurated at Kroprisht market. A large number of social workers were also present on the occasion.–Reporting by GH Farooqui, (Editing: Javeed Farooqui)]]>