ABOUT half of world's population now at risk of Dengue: Dr Sood
Author(s): Arvind SharmaDharamsala, July 10, 2013: DC Kangra, C Paulrasu reviewed the plan on vector control (mosquito) and called for more closer calls for inter-sectoral cooperation. “We are having such activities throughout the district...
Dharamsala, July 10, 2013: DC Kangra, C Paulrasu reviewed the plan on vector control (mosquito) and called for more closer calls for inter-sectoral cooperation. “We are having such activities throughout the district in all blocks and urban areas to sensitize stakeholders on Environmental Control through Integrated Vector Management and Behaviour Change Communication,” said Dr RK Sood (MAE) Epidemiologist, District Programme Officer (NVBDCP/ IDSP/ AIDS) in Dharamsala on Wednesday.
Out of 26,257 slides prepared from the blood of persons suffering from fever, non was indicated Dengue positive, however 11 cases of Malaria detected in the district from areas of Thural, Tiara, Nagrota Bagwan and Shahpur.
He said that with the start of the rainy season, Dengue Awareness Month is being observed in the District of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. The month of July is being observed as Dengue Awareness Month as it is the start of Dengue season.
DC Kangra, C Paulrasu stated that under this campaign “Inter-sectoral behaviour change communication (BCC) workshops” will be conducted at all blocks and urban areas in the district to deliberate on situation of malaria, dengue and other vector borne diseases; development, urbanisation and effect on vector borne diseases; roles and responsibilities of stakeholders; and chalk out an Action Plan within a specific time frame.
Integrated Vector Management strategies demand close cooperation among health, environment, urban development, water, agriculture, and other sectors, as well as the planning sector.
The participants in this programme will include Engineers of IPH PWD BDO, PRIs representatives, BDO, CDPO, Municipal representatives/ Media Persons/ Total Sanitation Campaign NGOs, School principals, Science teachers, Mahila Mandal leaders, youth clubs leaders, Health supervisors and health educators
Initiatives for Vector Environment Management in collaboration with total sanitation campaign nodal person in block are being promoted – like elimination/management of areas where mosquitoes can breed; filling of ditches by earth, water collection, ensuring that water does not stagnate around hand pumps, taps and any other area inside the house or in residential areas, channeling of water flow, removal of unused/junk materials like tyres, pots, etc.
Dr. Sood said, “The global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically in recent decades. Urbanisation, rapid movement of people and goods, climate change have contributed to the global increase of dengue. Over 2.5 billion people – over 40% of the world's population – are now at risk from dengue.”
About half of the world's population is now at risk. Dengue is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. More than 70% of the disease burden is in South-East Asia and the Western Pacific.