NEW DELHI, July 4: Union Health Minister JP Nadda today held a high level meeting to review the preparedness of his ministry for prevention and control of vector borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya here.
During the meeting the Minister asked states for mounting aggressive IEC campaigns to enhance awareness on prevention and control of vectors in their surrounding areas and neighbourhoods.
Mr 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 a 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.
He further informed that the Ministry had requested the states to declare dengue as notifiable disease for improving reporting and taking preventive measures in the affected areas.
The Health Minister stated that the the Government had already provided all logistical and technical support to 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 were the most crucial areas in prevention, Mr Nadda urged all stakeholders to start rigorous awareness campaigns regarding preventive steps to be taken by the people in their communities. (PTI)
Mr Nadda 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 asked the Health Secretary to review the preparedness of the states through a video conference. (UNI)
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