Chikungunya: Nadda Meets Delhi Health Minister as Outbreak Worsens

Delhi government enrols help from all quarters of society through its ‘One Delhi’ campaign as death toll increases.

Picture is for representational purposes only. (Photo: Reuters)

Chikungunya and dengue continued to wreak havoc in the National Capital Region with the death toll from the two vector-borne diseases climbing to 30 on Thursday, and the number of affected people crossing 2,800.

According to the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) under the Health Ministry, dengue has affected 36,110 people across the country and has claimed 70 lives, the maximum 24 in West Bengal and ten each in Odisha and Kerala.

Union Health Ministry Steps Up Measures to Take Charge of Situation

As the outbreak of chikungunya and dengue increases, Union Health Minister JP Nadda spoke to the health ministers of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on Thursday and met Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain on Friday.

Nadda said the ministry will support the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi in tackling the rising cases of dengue and chikungunya.

Have assured all support to the Delhi government and the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in tackling the rising cases of dengue and chikungunya. The issue of helping with the bed strength in the central government hospitals was also discussed.

JP Nadda

The minister said they have adequate strength of beds in central government hospitals and measures will be taken to enhance the numbers. He said there is no shortage of doctors, paramedical staff, drugs, testing kits or labs for treatment of the patients.

Nadda had on Wednesday sought a detailed report from the Delhi government and directed officials to remain alert to prevent the diseases from escalating.

Community participation is very important to stop mosquito breeding in and around your surroundings.

JP Nadda, Union Health Minister 

A top official said that the Delhi government has not sought any help till now from the Union Health Ministry to deal with the situation.

WHO Tells India to Strengthen Surveillance Network

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday called for strengthening India’s disease surveillance network by engaging private healthcare sector more for reliable counts of cases of dengue and chikungunya.

It added that strong surveillance, vector control, early diagnosis and case management and public awareness are key to control these vector-borne diseases.

Given that substantial population visits the private sector for seeking health care in India, it is important that informations from private hospitals and facilities are captured and well-represented for better understanding and estimation of the national disease burden of these infections.

Henk Bekedam, WHO Representative to India

He said that till date, no vaccine is available to prevent dengue and chikungunya infection, although research is ongoing and the only effective preventive measure is protection against mosquito bites and vector control.

Delhi Govt Enrolls Help from Religious Institutions to Raise Awareness

The Delhi government on Thursday reached out to the city’s religious institutions for help in dealing with the outbreak under ‘One Delhi Campaign’ aimed at seeking support from all quarters of the society to check spread of the diseases.

“After offering prayers tomorrow, there will be an announcement of fighting with diseases and mosquitoes together at all mosques of Delhi Waqf Board,” Mishra tweeted.

Religious institutions like Gauri Shankar Temple, Tilak Nagar Gurudwara, Jama Masjid, Orthodox church have all come forward to help spread awareness about the diseases.

Kapil Mishra, Delhi Water Minister

He said the campaign has also received support from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living Foundation.

The minister said market associations across Delhi, which include prominent markets like Chandini Chowk, Karol Bagh, Nehru Place, Sadar Bazar, Kashmiri Gate, have come forth to join the ‘One Delhi Campaign’ and will help in cleanliness drive in these areas.

(With inputs from PTI.)