Nadda chairs meeting on control of vector borne dideases

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi :  Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda held a high level meeting here on July 4, 2017, to review the preparedness of the Ministry for prevention and control of vector borne diseases (dengue, malaria, chikungunya) in the country. Nadda asked the states to mount aggressive IEC campaigns to enhance awareness on prevention and control of vectors in their surrounding areas and neighbourhoods.

Nadda was briefed on the preparations of the Health Ministry and was informed that Technical Guidelines for prevention and control and clinical management were developed and shared with the states for implementation. The Ministry has also conducted review meeting with the states and more than 13 advisories have been sent to all states as early as January for strengthening their preparedness before the vector borne disease season, according to a PIB release.

The Health Minister was informed that the Ministry has requested the States/UTs to declare Dengue as notifiable disease for improving reporting and for taking preventive measures in the affected areas. Under the guidance and direction of the Union Health Minister, Government of India has initiated several awareness programmes through print and electronic media and issued advertisements for controlling these diseases. Besides, for sensitization of the masses on the subject, the National Dengue Day was celebrated on May 16, 2017, according to the PIB release.

Nadda stated that the Union Health Ministry had already provided all logistical and technical support to the states including Delhi in terms of surveillance and diagnostic kits to strengthen their efforts in addressing Dengue and Chikungunya. The Health Minister also directed the officers to conduct regular supervisory visits to the states and various hospitals for assessing the situation, preparedness and to provide on the spot technical guidance to the health authorities. He also directed the officers to be vigilant and monitor the situation in the northern states including Delhi as vector borne diseases increase with monsoon in these states, according to the release.