Dengue cases rise in India, Health Minister Mandaviya reviews preparations

Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that the Government of India has extended full support to the states by providing screening kits and fogging and financial support for IEC activities. Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the current situation of dengue in India and the prevention, control and management of dengue in view of the recent rise in dengue cases across the country. Therefore, the preparedness of the public health system was reviewed. .

The Health Minister was briefed on the dengue situation across the country, acknowledging the growing challenge faced by the increasing number of dengue cases. Dr. Mandavia emphasized the importance of proactive dengue preparedness and urged officials to be fully prepared and step up measures for prevention, control and management of dengue.

Dr. Mandavia emphasized that the central government has provided comprehensive support to the states, including provision of screening kits and financial support for fogging and IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities. Additionally, health care workers have received training. He encouraged the states to closely follow the guidelines issued by the central government for prevention and control of dengue.

According to a ministry statement, the Union Health Minister also highlighted that the Central Government has allocated sufficient funds to the States under the Program Implementation Plan (PIP) for various activities aimed at prevention and control of dengue. .

• Monitoring – Surveillance and tracking of disease and entomological agents.

• Case Management – Effective handling of cases to prevent deaths.

• Laboratory diagnosis – Purchase of ELISA based NS1 antigen test kits (1 kit contains 96 tests) for early detection of disease. (IgM test kits are supplied centrally by NIV Pune).

• Vector Control and Management – Elimination of vector breeding sites and activities aimed at reducing sources of vector spread. Includes engagement of Domestic Breeding Checkers (DBCs) and ASHA workers. Budget has been allocated for procurement of fogging machines.

• Pesticides – Purchase of pesticides (both larvicides and adulticides).

• Capacity Building – Conducting training, human resource development, and operational research.

• Behavior Change Communication – Social mobilization and information, education, and communication (IEC) initiatives.

• Inter-electrolyte coordination – Cooperation with various government departments.

• Supervision and monitoring – Analysis of reports, reviews, field visits, and feedback mechanisms.

• Logistics to strengthen entomological labs.

• Monitoring and evaluation.

• Support for field activities through increased mobility.

• Recruitment of entomologists and insect collectors.

The meeting was attended by LS Changsan, Additional Secretary and Director of Mission (NHM) in the Ministry of Health. Aradhana Patnaik, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Health; Dr Manshvi Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health; and other senior officials and public health experts.

First Published: 28 Sep 2023, 11:42 IST