Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurated a three-day long mega campaign against vector borne diseases from Hauz Khas under South Zone of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC).

Addressing the gathering,  Vardhan said that he has wide experience in conducting result oriented campaign against various diseases and taking constructive support of all sections of the society in eliminating  a disease like Polio.  He added that the number of dengue and malaria had been less in the past years whereas this year it is being feared that the number of cases will increase.

“There is no need of panic due the affect of vector borne diseases as these can be cured at home and hospitalization becomes necessary in a few cases only, he said, adding that doctors, corporation’s staff, officers of the Union Government, city Government will be seen in action at more than 280 places in the city to disseminate public awareness and helping people understand about the simple tips on avoiding accumulation of clean water and ways to eliminate larvae. 

The minister further said that extra efforts of ‘dengue breeding checkers’ (DBCs) will certainly bring positive results in making Delhi free from these diseases; hence, the role of the DBCs will become valuable and substantial. 

Dr Vardhan stated that his ministry is keen to protect citizens of the country including Delhi from the attack of mosquitoes for this everybody will have to  ensure concerted action against occurrence of larvae emergence at all cost.  “The Union Government will help in procuring men, machines and medicines in adequate quantity,” he said.

He also said that in order to make Delhi mosquito free RWAs, social organizations, trade bodies and schools will have to join hands during these three days to walk an extra mile in the interest of the citizens.

All the three Corporations organized campaigns in all its wards on Wednesday to create awareness. North Corporation Mayor Avtar Singh sought support of people to prevent the diseases during monsoon by adopting some of the precautions including preventing water stagnation in empty containers and cleaning coolers and potholes at regular interval which are considered sources of mosquito breeding.

In a letter to all the councilors and Commissioner Varsha Joshi, Singh stated that the corporation employees should check at least five houses in their neighborhood to prevent dengue and other waterborne diseases and to make people aware and submit the details of the survey done in their offices.