Anticipating a rise in dengue and malaria cases during monsoons, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan will hold a meeting with his State counterparts from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan on Wednesday to discuss the preparation and challenges arising due to the vector-borne diseases in the States. Delhi’s representative is also likely to participate.
A senior official from the Union Health Ministry said that besides State Health Ministers, the officials and health experts from the respective States besides the national Capital will attend the meeting. “Though monsoon is delayed, no steps are being left to ensure that strategies are in place if it rains as per schedule. We would not like to be caught off the guard,” the official said.
As per the Health Ministry’s website, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh has so far till May 2014 this year has reported 493, 2,087 and 6,473 malaria cases respectively. Delhi has reported 60,496 malaria cases in the said period. According to experts, simple steps like using mosquito nets, removing stagnant water and not allowing garbage to accumulate can prevent thousands of deaths due to malaria in India.
The official noted that the NCR region is witnessing increased construction activities and industrialisation without proper planning which causes high mosquito breeding and hence higher incidence of malaria are reported from urban areas.He said the builders and industrialists should ensure proper disposal of waste and construction material to avoid mosquito breeding.“They should consult the Health department while planning the buildings and their construction,” he said.
Malaria is caused by a bite from an infected female Anopheles mosquito which breeds in dirty and stagnant water.