Union Health Minister on July 8 exhorted states to launch 'Jan Abhiyaans' or public campaigns with 'log bhaagidari' (people's participation) to enthuse and engage citizens and communities to ensure there is no mosquito breeding in the neighbourhoods.

Union Health Minister, who reviewed the preparedness for prevention and control of vector-borne diseases in 13 high-burden states, through video conference said 'Log Bhagidaari' is pivotal for launching 'Jan Abhiyaan' for vector control and elimination, a Health Ministry statement said.

"Let us start with our own homes and communities to ensure there is no vector breeding in our neighbourhoods," he said. The 13 high-burden states are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Punjab Rajasthan Tripura, Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu, the statement mentioned.

Highlighting that the issue of vector control and elimination is cross-cutting and requires close collaboration with several other departments, he urged states to ensure inter-sectoral coordination and work closely with other related departments such as for tribal welfare, urban development (for enforcement of civic laws), rural development (for construction of pucca houses under PMAY-G), water and sanitation and animal husbandry.

The states were advised to involve Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres for notification of cases, case management, and ensuring community engagement through (Information, Education and Communication) IEC/Social Mobilisation campaign for observation of the dry day, use of personal protective measures, etc, the statement said.

They were also asked to ensure timely availability and effective distribution of drug/diagnostics along with insecticides, fogging machines etc. The states also need to pay attention to the formation of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to effectively address any outbreak, he stressed.

The Union Health Minister suggested working in partnership with NGOs, CSO, and support agencies through micro-plans with time-bound outcomes, the statement said. "Let us engage ASHAs and Anganwadi workers for door-to-door campaigns for awareness enhancement, community mobilisation and distribution of kits, medicines and other services," he stated.

He stressed that joint efforts by the states and central government hold the key to effectively lowering and eliminating the burden of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) across the country. "Well laid out micro-level action plans at the village, block, district, state and national levels with effective reviewing shall go a long way in meeting the targets", he stated.

Deputy Chief Minister, Delhi, Health Minister, Bihar, Health Minister, Tamil Nadu and Health Minister from Jharkhand participated in the virtual review meeting, the statement said.

Various states that have performed notably in reducing the burden and eliminating it in various districts were commended by the Health Minister. Further, he invited the states to share their best practices and special campaigns for others to emulate them.

The states shared examples of special campaigns and initiatives taken up for community mobilisation and participation, mass awareness, timely surveillance and treatment, the statement read.

The states were informed of the state-wise burden of various vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, JE, lymphatic filariasis and kala-azar.

The month-wise seasonality with the high level of prevalence across various states was also presented. The government of India is dedicated to curbing these diseases and has the target of eliminating malaria by 2030, lymphatic filariasis by 2030 and kala-azar by 2023, the statement said.

The government is providing technical support through guidelines, advisories, epidemiological reports on outbreak preparedness, financial support through budget under the NHM, monitoring and supervision, awareness through IEC campaigns, and additional support through Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFTAM) to 10 states, according to the statement.

VBDs are seasonal and outbreak prone with all except lymphatic filariasis showing outbreaks during monsoon and post-monsoon period generally. The National Center for Vector-Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) formulates policies/guidelines and provides technical, and financial assistance (as per National Health Mission norms) to the States/UTs for the prevention and control of six VBDs (malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), lymphatic filariasis, kala-azar).