Take steps for dengue, malaria prevention, states told

New Delhi, July 2 (IANS) The government Wednesday asked all states to take malaria and dengue prevention measures on a war footing.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan held a meeting to review the steps already taken in the National Capital Region (NCR), an official release said here.

"Dengue and malaria strikes with sickening regularity every year resulting in many deaths. Prevention of this tragedy is easy only if the prevention protocol is implemented with commitment," he said.

"Let us make a new beginning. Let us not be complacent if the number of victims this year is less than last year's. We must aim for zero incidence within two to three years," he said.

While there were 353 cases of malaria in 2013, Delhi has reported 11 cases till June 30.

Uttar Pradesh reported 48,346 and 6,473 cases of malaria respectively for 2013 and up to June-end this year.

The health minister, who recently toured the US where he met experts at the Centre for Disease Control, said he was convinced that 80 percent success rate is assured if well known preventive steps are implemented.

Harsh Vardhan said he was keen to integrate into a strategy the success stories of states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, where the incidence of vector-borne diseases has registered a dramatic fall, thanks to concentrated action and community involvement.

He said he would also send central health officials to all the states to take stock of the situation on the health front.

"There cannot be a one-size-fits-all policy. Each region is different and needs its unique solution," he said.

The meeting was attended by the health ministers of Haryana and Rajasthan besides Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung.

Jung said at the meeting that preventive steps are already under implementation in the capital.

It was also decided to carry out a poster drive in schools, Delhi Metro stations, bus stands and markets to spread awareness about the symptoms of dengue.