Dengue Fever: A Continuous Threat

Dengue fever is a vector borne disease and is caused by DEN Virus. This virus has four different serotypes. The vectors are two mosquitoes known as Aedesaegypti (the yellow fever mosquito) and Aedesalbopictus(the Asian tiger mosquito).  First case of dengue fever was reported back in 1994 in Karachi. A complete outbreak of this epidemic shook the whole nation in 2012. Uptill now, Lahore a city full of culture, witnessed about 16,580 confirmed cases and 257 deaths. About 5000 confirmed cases with 60 deaths were reported from the rest of the provinces. Under guidelines of WHO, Government has made efforts to combat this epidemic. Although the overall efforts have minimized the outbreak on controllable levels but dengue fever is a continuous threat. Since no permanent cure is available, the transmission of DEN virus is controlled indirectly. So the prime focus is to control mosquito population and decrease the possible hot spots i.e. Mosquito breeding sites in human habitations. Every year, the country witnesses monsoon season which brings vast areas full of clear standing waters providing breeding sites for mosquitoes which ultimately leads to increased number of patients suffering from dengue fever. Efforts have been made to fight against dengue including formation of dengue wards in hospitals, vector surveillance, community education, reactive vector control etc. A study has shown prevalence of four mosquito genera in Pakistan including Aedes, Culex, Armigeresand Anopheles. All of the above mentioned genera are associated with disease transmissions as they are the vectors of different viruses and parasites. It is the need of hour to do a collaborative effort stressing the community mobilization and management in war against dengue.

A Study of Effectiveness of Quality Assurance Measures Applied at University Level in Punjab.

The present research entitled ―A Study of the Effectiveness of Quality Assurance Measures Applied at University Level in Punjab‖ was a survey study. The main objectives of the study were to review, differentiate, evaluate, and give recommendation regarding the enhancement of quality assurance measures applied at university levels in Pakistan. 77 academic administrators (out of 100), 194 university faculty (out of 200), and 1000 students were taken and selected randomly from 20 universities (out of 44) in the Punjab as a sample of the study. The data was collected through three questionnaires developed by the researcher using five point Likert type rating scales. The instrument was distributed personally to 100 academic administrators, 200 university faculty and 1000 students. The data was analyzed and the results were interpreted in terms of percentage ii mean score value and median. A majority of respondents such as academic administrators, university faculty and students agreed that academic programs are evaluated according to HEC prescribed criteria, there is need to provide training in management and leadership to administrators, university faculty perform academic duties relevant to their abilities, and students like prevalent evaluation system of universities. It was recommended that the quality assurance measures may be given proper weightage practically at the time of faculty promotion and recruitment without political interference;