Dengue Cases Increase In India, Health Minister Mandaviya Reviews Preparation

Dr Mandaviya emphasized that the Indian government has extended complete assistance to the states by providing screening kits and financial support for fogging and IEC activities. On Wednesday, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya presided over a high-level meeting to assess the current Dengue situation in India and evaluate the readiness of the public health system to prevent, control, and manage Dengue, given the recent surge in Dengue cases nationwide.

The Health Minister received a briefing on the Dengue situation across the country, acknowledging the mounting challenge posed by the rising number of Dengue cases. Dr Mandaviya stressed the significance of proactive Dengue preparedness and urged officials to be fully prepared and enhance measures for Dengue prevention, containment, and management.

Dr Mandaviya emphasized that the Union Government has extended comprehensive assistance to the states, including the provision of screening kits and financial support for fogging and IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities. Additionally, healthcare workers have received training. He encouraged states to closely follow the guidelines issued by the Central Government for Dengue prevention and containment.

As per a statement from the Ministry, 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 preventing and controlling Dengue.

• Surveillance - Monitoring and tracking of disease and entomological factors.

• Case management - Efficient handling of cases to prevent fatalities.

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

• Vector Control & Management - Elimination of vector breeding sites and activities aimed at reducing the sources of vector proliferation. Involves the engagement of Domestic Breeding Checkers (DBCs) and ASHA workers. Budget allocation is made for the acquisition of fogging machines.

• Insecticides - Procurement of insecticides (both larvicides and adulticides).

• Capacity building - Training, enhancing human resources, and conducting operational research.

• Behavior Change Communication - Initiatives related to social mobilization and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC).

• Inter-sectoral coordination - Collaboration with various government departments.

• Monitoring and Supervision - Analysis of reports, reviews, field visits, and feedback mechanisms.

• Logistics to strengthen entomological labs.

• Monitoring & evaluation.

• Support for field activities through increased mobility.

• Recruitment of entomologists and insect collectors.

In attendance at the meeting were L S Changsan, Additional Secretary and Mission Director (NHM) at the Health Ministry; Aradhana Patnaik, Joint Secretary at the Health Ministry; Dr Manashvi Kumar, Joint Secretary at the Health Ministry; and other senior officials and public health experts.