Govt effort on to curb vector-borne diseases

Source: The post is based on the article “Govt effort on to curb vector-borne diseases ” published in Livemint on 15th July 2023

What is the News?

The Union health ministry has sounded the alarm on a vector-borne disease outbreak with record rainfall in North India creating a favourable breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

What are Vector Borne Diseases?

Vector-borne diseases are human illnesses caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria that are transmitted by vectors. 

Every year there are more than 700,000 deaths from diseases such as malaria, dengue, schistosomiasis, human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and onchocerciasis.

The burden of these diseases is highest in tropical and subtropical areas, and they disproportionately affect the poorest populations. 

Since 2014, major outbreaks of dengue, malaria, chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika have afflicted populations, claimed lives, and overwhelmed health systems in many countries. 

Other diseases such as Chikungunya, leishmaniasis and lymphatic filariasis cause chronic suffering, life-long morbidity, disability and occasional stigmatization.

What are the steps the government is taking against vector borne diseases?

Government has issued advisories to states and Union Territories (UTs) to collaborate with the respective civic agencies and take prompt action against vector borne diseases.

Note: India has set ambitious goals to eliminate kala-azar by 2023 and eradicate malaria and lymphatic filariasis by 2030.