Dengue is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease globally, with a significant increase in cases in India over the past two decades.
Rapid urbanization, population growth, rising temperatures, and climate change have exacerbated the spread of dengue vectors and viruses in the country.
The public health experts also highlighted the importance of larval elimination to tackle the spread of dengue.
“Breeding source management focused on larval elimination is one of the most important methods to control and contain the disease.
This charter will ensure that community voices are heard and included in the fight against dengue, bringing diagnosis and treatment closer to those in need, the experts highlighted.
The Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) South Asia, in collaboration with Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) on Friday hosted a community forum to bring communities together to fight against dengue through connection, collaboration, and communication.
The forum “Dengue Jagrukta Abhiyan: Samudaik Bhagidari, Sabki Jimmewari” was held at Delhih’s India International Center today to understand the needs and challenges faced by patient groups, educate them on vector bite prevention and disease manifestation, and gather recommendations for the government based on community feedback.
During the event, Dr Tanu Jain, Director, National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) in her keynote address said that the intersectoral coordination and greater community involvement are necessary to fight any infectious disease like dengue.
Also Read India’s heatwave nightmare worsens! High humidity can dangerously affect your body Delhi reports first death due to heat stroke—Know all about its symptoms, causes and treatment Medtronic appoints Mandeep Singh Kumar as Vice President of Medtronic India From knowledge to empowerment: Advancing asthma care initiatives
Also Read First dengue bout can be as severe as secondary infection, India study finds
“For the community, it starts with awareness about the importance of cleanliness inside and outside their homes, and in workspaces,” Dr. Jain highlighted.
Dengue is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease globally, with a significant increase in cases in India over the past two decades. Rapid urbanization, population growth, rising temperatures, and climate change have exacerbated the spread of dengue vectors and viruses in the country. Addressing this growing health challenge requires innovative strategies and community mobilisation.
Dr Balram Bhargava, Former Secretary Department of Health Research & Director General, ICMR brought the attention towards the need to develop new diagnostic kits, fast-track the trials for dengue-drugs and vaccine.
Meanwhile, Dr Kavita Singh, Director, South Asia, DNDi in her opening remarks highlighted that fighting any global health problem needs collaboration of every kind- be it inter-ministerial co-operation or informative, action-oriented conversations between community members, ASHA workers and health professionals.
“This is especially true for Asia region where dengue is the fastest spreading vector-borne disease and is carrying over 70 percent disease burden,” she said.
The public health experts also highlighted the importance of larval elimination to tackle the spread of dengue.
“Breeding source management focused on larval elimination is one of the most important methods to control and contain the disease. Do not leave stagnant water even in small containers because Aedes mosquitoes thrive well everywhere,” said Dr Kalpana Baruah, Senior Consultant and Former Additional Director & Scientist ‘V’, National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC).
Additionally, Dr Nandini Sharma, Ex Director & Head, Community Medicine, Maulana Aazad Medical College, discussed about creating drugs that are patient-friendly making everyone realize that the development of a vaccine will not mean its widespread acceptability unless the community is fully convinced of its efficacy.
The panelists discussed a range of issues like the changing paradigm of dengue, the need for better management and community sensitisation, dengue diagnosis and treatment from a clinician’s perspective, and the role of communities in the fight against dengue.
Following these discussions, a charter was developed and it will be shared with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other relevant departments. This charter will ensure that community voices are heard and included in the fight against dengue, bringing diagnosis and treatment closer to those in need, the experts highlighted.
