In order to review the activities for prevention and control of vector borne diseases (dengue, malaria, chikungunya and swine flu), J.P. Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare recently held a high level meeting in the capital.

Satyendra Jain, Health Minister, Government of Delhi, Mayors of Delhi, C K Mishra, Union Health Secretary, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Secretary (DHR), Dr Jagdish Prasad, DGHS, Medical superintendent of the Central Government hospitals in Delhi, senior officials from Union Health Ministry, Government of Delhi, ICMR, NCDC and NVBDCP were also present during the meeting.

Stressing on the critical importance of prevention of vector-borne diseases, Nadda stated, “all stakeholders including the Government of Delhi, Municipal Corporations, RWAs, NGOs and the people have an important role to play in prevention of breeding of the vectors that cause these diseases. A strong awareness campaign is very effective for educating people to keep their home and surrounding areas free of water clogging. When people are equipped with proper information, they are capable of preventing such diseases and also seeking timely medical intervention.”

He also urged the Health Minister of Delhi to launch a house-to-house IEC campaign for creating widespread awareness.

The Mayors of Delhi informed that such a campaign has already started and various forms of media are being used to reach out to people.

The minister suggested for a workshop to be organised by the Delhi Government for all concerned agencies and stakeholders to sensitise them on the protocols for prevention and management of vector-borne diseases that normally see a spike during the monsoon season and assured the support of the Union Health Ministry in all efforts of the State government to build their capacity.

Highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate quantity of testing kits, drugs etc. at the government hospitals and chemists, he requested the Delhi Government to issue an advisory to all chemists to ensure adequate stock of necessary drugs and suggested for hospitals to ensure that adequate number of isolation wards are available and to ensure that protocols for ventilator management are followed.