District health officials directed to strengthen VBD surveillance

District health officials in Jharkhand have been directed to regularly review disease-related data, identify emerging trends, ensure early detection and timely testing and treatment of patients. The directions were issued on the eve of a two-day state-level Vector Borne Disease (VBD) orientation programme being organised on Wednesday.

Shashi Prakash Jha, mission director, National Health Mission, said, “There is need for early identification of cases, timely diagnosis and treatment. Effective public awareness will ensure that healthcare services reach the last mile.”

Jha emphasised that effective control of vector-borne diseases requires coordinated efforts involving the health department, other government departments, local bodies and communities. District officials were advised to strengthen coordination with urban local bodies, the drinking water and sanitation department, education department, Panchayati Raj institutions, rural development department and other stakeholders.

Dr Ranjit Prasad, state programme officer, stressed the need to prevent infected patients from being bitten by mosquitoes to interrupt transmission. He said regular use of mosquito nets by infected patients should be ensured and urged that every patient be provided a mosquito net along with treatment.

Special emphasis was placed on active case detection for kala-azar, identification of suspected patients, prompt testing and linking confirmed cases with treatment. District teams were also advised to ensure regular follow-up of patients and conduct targeted campaigns in vulnerable and affected areas.

Officials were encouraged to involve gram representatives, mukhiyas, self-help groups, schools, teachers, youth groups, local institutions and community leaders in awareness and prevention activities.

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