Jagat Parkash Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, held a high level meeting to review the preparedness of the Delhi administration and other stakeholders in prevention and control of Dengue in Delhi, here today. Shri Satyender Jain, Health Minister of Delhi was present at the meeting in addition to Mayors of the Delhi Corporations and senior offers of the Union Health Ministry, Ministry of Urban Development, National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi Cantonment, CPWD, ICMR etc. Taking stock of the situation, Shri Nadda was briefed on the preparations of the Health Ministry and Delhi Administration to prevent the spread of Dengue in the NCT of Delhi. Shri Nadda stated that the Union Health Ministry has been proactive in taking measures to prevent Dengue. Various meetings with the States through video conferencing have been held by the Secretary (HFW). Multiple advisories have been shared with the States to build their capacity, the Minister informed. He also added that training has been provided to health workers and a working plan has been sent to the States to ensure timely implementation of various activities that need to be undertaken for vector control.
Shri Nadda stated that the Union Health Ministry has already provided all logistical and technical support to the Delhi Government in terms of surveillance and diagnostic kits to strengthen their efforts in addressing Dengue. Noting that community participation and empowerment are the most crucial areas in Dengue prevention, Shri Nadda urged all the stakeholders to start rigorous awareness campaigns regarding the preventive steps to be taken by the people in their communities. He mentioned that recently on World Health Day, ‘India Fights Dengue’ mobile application has been launched. He also suggested awareness activities to be taken up in schools, colleges and various localities with the help of the school administration and the RWAs. He also suggested that all available information on the measures taken by the Delhi Government and Delhi Corporations should be easily available to the people through various media channels.