Rising Risk Of Waterborne Diseases Prompts Health Authority To Increase Vigilance

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Jul, 2025) In response to escalating waterborne diseases risk, the District Health Authority (DHA) Rawalpindi has decided to launch a continuous monitoring and surveillance mechanism for safeguarding public health.

Through a detailed order to combat the rising risk of gastroenteritis and other waterborne diseases, the authority has mobilized its officers and sanitary inspectors across various tehsils including Rawal Town, Potohar, Cantt, Murree, Gujar Khan, Kahuta, Taxila, Kotli Sattian, and Kallar Syedan.

It is important to note that with favorable weather conditions creating an ideal environment for microbial growth, the gastrointestinal issue can become a tough challenge to be countered.

The initiative, taken by the authority includes rigorous inspections of hotels, restaurants, factories, shops, bake houses and sweet shops to ensure food safety and hygiene. "Officers are tasked with maintaining cold chains for food storage, chlorinating water sources and conducting regular sampling of milk and drinking water", informed Dr Waqas Ahmad, the DHA's spokesman.

As many as 20 health officers and inspectors have been assigned to remain vigilant about the rising gastrointestinal diseases risk.

Additionally, the authority is focusing on employee health screenings and coordinating with local departments to provide safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.

Dr Waqar informed APP that gastroenteritis issues involve disorders of the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, and related organs generally caused by bacterial or viral infections, contaminated food or water, and poor hygiene.

"Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration", he said.

The spokesman highlighted that the severe cases may lead to weight loss or prolonged discomfort, if not treated timely.

"This can lead to issues ranging from mild discomfort to serious health complications for which preventive approach is inevitable", he added

To a question, Dr. Waqar emphasized cleanliness, hygienic measures, water purification and properly cooked food to reduce the risk.

He said that water being chemically favourable solvent could create issues by dissolving unwanted or harmful bacteria or viruses, which needs special attention. 395