Dengue and Chikungunya disease have claimed over 80 lives and affected more than 50,000 people across the country. According to the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) under the Health Ministry, dengue has affected 36,110 people across the country and has claimed 70 lives, the maximum 24 in West Bengal and ten each in Odisha and Kerela. The death toll due to dengue in the national capital today rose to 18 while the number of cases crossed 1,100. These diseases spread mostly during monsoon season.
Union Health Ministry claims that the country is well equipped to meet the challenge thrown by these two mosquito borne diseases. On its level the Union government is doing what needs to be done. But there are some aspects that have to be taken care of. Foremost is bringing more awareness among the people about the precautionary measures. The WHO today called for strengthening India’s disease surveillance network by engaging private healthcare sector more for reliable counts of cases of these diseases. According to the WHO report, in India most people visit private hospitals and clinics which render very important service. The advice is that the Government should get into consultative status with private hospitals and clinics in the country and seek their advice and support in conducting surveillance and preventive measures. For example, it is found that by changing the genes of the male mosquito, the Dengue and Chikungunya disease can be controlled. Its report suggests that strong surveillance, vector control, early diagnosis and case management and public awareness are the key to control these vector-borne diseases.
We would appreciate if the Union Health Ministry takes the report of the WHO seriously and decides to implement the suggestions it has made to control these diseases. After all, good deal of study has been made by expert of the WHO and we should benefit from it. These diseases can be controlled provided there is full cooperation between the people and the Government.
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