Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare addressed a question in Lok Sabha regarding the National Programme for Encephalitis Control. The response includes data on encephalitis cases, acknowledges the need for improved reporting, details the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) for disease surveillance, and describes the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Japanese Encephalitis (JE). Data is provided up to June 30, 2025.
Key Points / Main Content:
* **Data on Encephalitis Cases:**
* The National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) maintains surveillance data on Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases.
* State/UT-wise JE case data from 2020 to June 30, 2025, is provided (Annexure I).
* State/UT-wise Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) data reported during the last 5 years is available via IDSP/IHIP Portal (Annexure II).
* **Disease Reporting and Surveillance:**
* Timely and standardized disease reporting is critical for effective surveillance and response.
* The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has strengthened its disease surveillance architecture.
* The Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) under the National Health Mission is implemented in all 36 States/UTs.
* IDSP is responsible for the surveillance of epidemic-prone diseases, including AES and JE.
* IDSP uses a three-tier system (S, P, and L forms) for weekly reporting from districts.
* The Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) has replaced paper-based reporting, offering near real-time health surveillance data.
* IHIP allows case-based surveillance with geotagging, decision support tools, and integrated dashboards.
* AES/JE is being tracked on IHIP.
* **Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Control Programme:**
* NCVBDC has a dedicated Japanese Encephalitis (JE) control programme named, National Programme for Prevention and Control of Japanese Encephalitis(JE).
Impact Analysis:
* **State/UT Health Departments:**
* *Impact:* Required to report JE and AES cases accurately and in a timely manner through the IDSP/IHIP system. They are responsible for implementing prevention and control activities.
* *Action Required:* Ensure accurate and timely reporting of data through IHIP and implement appropriate public health actions based on surveillance data.
* **National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC):**
* *Impact:* Responsible for maintaining surveillance data, managing the National Programme for Prevention and Control of JE, and providing guidance to states/UTs.
* *Action Required:* Continue to monitor JE and AES trends, support states/UTs in implementing control measures, and enhance the surveillance system as needed.
* **Ministry of Health and Family Welfare:**
* *Impact:* Oversees the national encephalitis control program and ensures the implementation of effective surveillance and response strategies.
* *Action Required:* Monitor the progress of the national program, allocate resources, and provide policy guidance to states/UTs.
* **Healthcare Professionals:**
* *Impact:* Involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and reporting of encephalitis cases.
* *Action Required:* Be vigilant in identifying suspected cases, follow standardized reporting protocols, and provide appropriate medical care.
Key Entities Referenced
National Programme for Encephalitis Control: A government initiative aimed at controlling encephalitis in India.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: The Indian government ministry responsible for health policy.
National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC): An organization under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that maintains surveillance data on Japanese Encephalitis.
Japanese Encephalitis (JE): A type of encephalitis, specifically tracked by the NCVBDC.
Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES): A broader category of encephalitis, with data reported via the IDSP-IHIP portal.
Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP): A disease surveillance program under the National Health Mission.
Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP): An information platform used for paperless reporting of disease surveillance data.
National Programme for Prevention and Control of Japanese Encephalitis: A dedicated program by NCVBDC for controlling Japanese Encephalitis.