05 July 2017 | News
He asked the states for mounting aggressive IEC campaigns to enhance awareness on prevention and control of vectors in their surrounding areas and neighbourhoods
Source: Press Information Bureau
In order to review the preparedness of the Ministry for prevention and control of vector borne diseases (dengue, malaria, chikungunya) in the country, J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare recently held a high level meeting.
He asked the states for mounting aggressive IEC campaigns to enhance awareness on prevention and control of vectors in their surrounding areas and neighbourhoods.
C K Mishra, Secretary (Health), Dr Saumya Swaminathan, Secretary (DHR) and DG (ICMR), Dr. (Prof) Jagdish Prasad, DGHS and other senior officers of the Union Health Ministry, National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) were also present in the meeting along with Directors/ MS from the Central Government hospitals.
Taking stock of the situation, health minister 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.
He was further 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.
Nadda stated, “The Union Health Ministry has 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.”
Noting that community participation and empowerment are the most crucial areas in prevention, he urged all the stakeholders to start rigorous awareness campaigns regarding the preventive steps to be taken by the people in their communities.
He 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.