Combating Vector-Borne Diseases
For surveillance and free of cost diagnosis of Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis, a network of Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals and Apex Referral laboratories identified across the country; test kits are provided by the Government of India
Preventing and controlling vector-borne diseases (VBDs) such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, kala-azar, and lymphatic filariasis remains a significant public health challenge in India.
These six diseases are primarily spread by vectors like mosquitoes, sandflies, and ticks, which thrive in India’s tropical and subtropical climate, especially during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.
Public Health is a State Subject, and the responsibility for strengthening the healthcare system lies with the respective State/UT Governments. However, Under National Health Mission (NHM), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India provides financial and technical support to States/UTs in an integrated manner for control of Vector Borne Diseases including Malaria elimination and Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) control activities i.e., case management, vector control activities, training support, monitoring and promoting engagement of public, stakeholder and municipalities based on the Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs) submitted by the States/UTs within their overall resource envelope.
The Government of India (GoI) is actively collaborating with State Health Departments and Urban Local Bodies to strengthen mosquito control activities, enhance public health measures and hygiene. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) jointly reviewed the preparedness of major municipal corporations for preventing Dengue and other vector-borne diseases. For strengthening intersectoral coordination, such meetings are regularly organised both at the central and state levels.
National Control Strategy
The National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) administers India’s umbrella programme for these six diseases. The core strategy focuses on:
• Disease Management: Emphasising early case detection through active and passive surveillance, followed by prompt and complete treatment.
• Integrated Vector Management (IVM): A multi-pronged approach that combines environmental management, biological control, and chemical interventions.
• Elimination Targets: India has set ambitious goals to eliminate malaria by 2030, with specific shorter-term targets for the elimination of kala-azar and lymphatic filariasis.
Key Prevention and Control Measures
Preventive efforts are categorised into personal, environmental, and public health actions:
1. Environmental Management: The most critical step is source reduction, which involves eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, such as in flower pots, discarded tyres, and open water storage tanks.
2. Biological and Chemical Control:
• Biological: Using larvivorous fish (e.g., Gambusia) that eat mosquito larvae in water bodies.
• Chemical: Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) to protect vulnerable populations.
3. Personal Protection: Individuals are encouraged to use insect repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and install window screens to prevent bites.
4. Vaccination: Currently, vaccination in India is primarily available for Japanese encephalitis in endemic districts.
The Role of Community Participation
Sustainable control is impossible without active community engagement. Programmes like “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” have highlighted the link between improved sanitation and disease prevention. Research in Kerala has shown that community-led initiatives — such as forming local committees for waste management and larval monitoring — can significantly reduce vector density compared to “top-down” government approaches alone.
The other day, the parliament was informed that the Government of India has taken the following measures and initiatives under the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) for prevention and control of Malaria, Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in the country, particularly with the onset of summer and monsoon seasons:
• Disease Management involves early case detection with active, passive and sentinel surveillance, followed by complete and effective treatment, strengthening of referral services, epidemic preparedness and rapid response.
• Integrated Vector Management includes Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in selected high-risk areas, Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in high Malaria endemic areas, use of larvivorous fish, anti-larval measures in urban areas, including bio-larvicides and minor environmental engineering and source reduction for prevention of breeding.
• Supportive Interventions aim at Behaviour Change Communication (BCC), Inter-sectoral Convergence and Human Resource Development through capacity building.
• The government is providing the JE vaccine (2 doses) free of cost under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) for children aged 9-12 months & 16-24 months.
• For surveillance and free-of-cost diagnosis of Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis, a network of Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals (SSHs) and Apex Referral Laboratories (ARLs) has been identified across the Country. Test kits are provided by GoI.
• Dissemination of public health messages through various media platforms, including social media, radio, newspapers, and electronic media.
• Observation of World Malaria Day on 25th April and Anti-Malaria Month (June), National Dengue Day’ on 16th May and Anti- Dengue Month in July with focused IEC/BCC activities, interpersonal communication and advocacy.
Despite progress, challenges such as drug and insecticide resistance in vectors and rapid urbanisation continue to complicate control efforts. Future success depends on strengthening inter-sectoral collaboration between health, urban planning, and sanitation departments, alongside robust public awareness campaigns.
