The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory urging states to intensify preventive measures against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, following a review of their current status nationwide.
The review meeting, led by the Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, on Wednesday took stock of the current status and key challenges in the prevention and control of dengue and malaria.
“States, local bodies and communities must intensify preventive and control measures, particularly during this high-risk period, to safeguard public health and sustain the gains made in reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases,” said Nadda.
The Union Health Minister has urged all Chief Ministers to “remain vigilant in the coming months” and to intensify preventive measures and public awareness campaigns to effectively control dengue and malaria.
The meeting was held following reports of rising dengue and malaria cases across various states. The surge is linked to recent incessant rains, which have led to water stagnation and created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
In view of this, the government has asked states and local bodies to step up preventive measures.
Union Minister Nadda also advised state health ministers to personally review the situation and prepare action plans within 20 days, while Municipal Corporations, Panchayats, and local bodies were asked to intensify community awareness drives.
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“Hospitals, including those under the Central Government, must ensure adequate drugs, diagnostics, beds, and mosquito-free premises,” the Health Minister said.
