The Hindu : New Delhi News : Dengue, malaria on the decline: MCD

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jan 05, 2008
ePaper

New Delhi

New Delhi

Dengue, malaria on the decline: MCD

Staff Reporter

Better surveillance yields good results

Only one dengue death in 2007
137 cases of malaria reported

NEW DELHI: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has said that its measures to check breeding of mosquitoes in the Capital this past year have resulted in a decrease in the incidence of dengue and malaria in the city.

Addressing a press conference at Town Hall here on Friday, MCD Health Committee Chairman V. K. Monga said: “During 2007, 505 dengue cases were detected in Delhi compared with 1,978 cases in 2006 and 653 cases in 2005. One death due to dengue was reported this year as compared to 17 deaths last year. The incidence of malaria also remained low with just 137 reported in 2007.”

Dr. Monga informed that this reduction in incidence of the two diseases was due largely to better surveillance at 36 government hospitals for prompt diagnosis and management of dengue. “To strengthen vector surveillance, over 3,500 domestic breeding checkers were engaged to visit residences across Delhi and educate them on the ways and means to check mosquito breeding around their premises.” he said, adding that over 80,952 people had been issued legal notices and 18,335 prosecuted for creating mosquito-friendly conditions.

Advertisements

To promote awareness on this issue, the civic body advertised in newspapers, on the radio and put informative hoardings, posters and banners on buses. A person-to-person contact scheme was also developed by residents’ welfare associations and non-government associations. A unique scheme, “Dengue Homework Card Scheme”, was also implemented to involve school children in the drive against the two dreaded diseases.

Dr. Monga also commended the supportive role of the Delhi Jal Board and the Sanitation, Horticulture, Engineering and Education Department that were actively involved in the project. “Regular meetings were held at the headquarters and zonal level for accurate monitoring of the situation. Unless health and sanitation personnel work together, our dream of a ‘zero-dengue’ Delhi will not be successful. We are planning an even better coordination among various departments for 2008. Reorientation programmes for different categories of functionaries, RWA members and other officials are also on the anvil,” he said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

New Delhi