It is important to emphasise on timely detection and reporting of dengue cases: Rajesh Bhushan

Union Health Ministry organises two-day technical symposium to develop a strategic framework and roadmap for dengue control in India

Union Health Secretary, Rajesh Bhushan inaugurated a two-day technical symposium to develop a strategic framework and roadmap for dengue control in India. The purpose of this symposium being organised by the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is to bring together identified ministries, states, government institutions and development partners under a common platform to develop strategic framework for dengue control and envision a country roadmap with the objective of maximising efficiency through convergence of efforts across multiple dimensions.

Addressing the gathering, Bhushan emphasised on the importance of timely detection and reporting of dengue cases for effective management and control. He also suggested for dengue to be incorporated under the MoHFW’s Integrated Health Information Platform where 33 diseases are already covered.

Citing from his own experience in various ministries of the Union Government., he highlighted how convergence among different ministries can be achieved to tackle the seasonal outbreaks of dengue in India.

The Union Secretary emphasised on inter-sectoral convergence and continuous effort from all stakeholders. He urged all states to initiate a plan of action by the end of the two-day brainstorming.

Roli Singh, AS & MD (NHM), MoHFW informed that several efforts have been taken towards Dengue control in India. She stated that integrated vector management is being carried out through various ministries and highlighted the importance of effective community participation and intensive IEC campaigns to spread further awareness among people.

She informed that dengue control has also been incorporated under the corporate social responsibility to involve the corporate sector as well. It was also pointed out that the Government of India has declared 16 May as National Dengue Day and July as anti-dengue month.

Rajiv Manjhi, Joint Secretary, MoHFW stated that since there is no drug or treatment available for dengue, it is important to take precautions and ensure vector control and prevention

Dr Tran Minh, Group Head (Emergency Health), WHO India highlighted the importance of promoting the four key interventions of integrated vector control, surveillance & response, clinical diagnosis & treatment and multi-stakeholder initiative for effective control of dengue.

During the two-day symposium, the strategies for prevention and control of Dengue, intersectoral coordination and challenges in Dengue control will be deliberated. A future roadmap will be developed involving the subject experts with one-platform approach with robust strategy for Dengue control in India.

Participants from ICMR HQs and its Institutes; Medical Colleges- AIIMS (Delhi, Bhubaneshwar, Jodhpur); Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune; various institutes- NCDC, CHEB, NIHFW; identified States; RoHFWs; WHO HQs, WHO-India, subject experts; CGHS hospitals and identified Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals in Delhi were also present on the occasion.

Incidence of Dengue is increasing in recent years with repeated outbreaks being reported from many States and newer areas. Increase in dengue cases in the country has been observed to be due to rapid urbanisation, population growth, globalisation, climate change, socio-economic development and life style changes leading to introduction of Aedes vector.

Dengue transmission is mainly due to factors outside the domain of the health sector and therefore needs an effective multisectoral approach requiring coordination between Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and other ministries, Central Government Hospitals, ICMR Institutes, partners, identified states and municipalities.