Parliament Question: Prevention and control of vector borne diseases

GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE RAJYASABHA UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 2828 TO BE ANSWERED ON17.03.2026 PREVENTIONANDCONTROLOFVECTORBORNEDISEASES 2828: SHRIMAHARAJASANAJAOBALEISHEMBA: Will the MINISTER OFHEALTHAND FAMILYWELFAREbe pleased toState: (a)the measures takenuptoprevent the spread of vectorborne diseases like,Malaria, Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis with the onset of summer andmonsoon seasons; (b) whether there is any collaboration or joint ventures with municipal corporation and health departmentstomaintain public healthandhygiene;and (c)if so, the detailsthereof? ANSWER THE MINISTEROFSTATE IN THE MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT.ANUPRIYAPATEL) (a) to (c): Public Health is a State Subject and the responsibility for strengthening of healthcare system lies with respective State/Union Territory Governments. However, Under National Health Mission (NHM), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India provides financial and technical support to the 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, andpromoting 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 othervector borne diseases. For strengthening intersectoral coordination, such meetingsare regularly organizedbothat central andstate level.GoI has taken the following measures and initiatives under National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) for prevention and control of Malaria, Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis(JE) inthe countryparticularlywith the onset of summer andmonsoon seasons:  Disease Management involves early case detection with active, passive and sentinel surveillance, followed by complete and effective treatment, strengthening of referral services, epidemicpreparedness andrapidresponse.  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 environmentalengineering andsource reductionfor preventionof breeding.  Supportive Interventions aim at Behaviour Change Communication (BCC), Inter-sectoral Convergence andHuman Resource Developmentthrough capacitybuilding.  Government isproviding free of cost JE vaccine(2 doses) underUniversal Immunization Programme(UIP)for the children aged9-12 months& 16-24 months.  For surveillance and free of cost diagnosis of Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis, a networkofSentinelSurveillanceHospitals(SSHs)andApexReferrallaboratories(ARLs) identifiedacross the Country. Tests kitsare providedbyGoI.  Dissemination of public health messages through various media platforms including social media,radio,newspapers, and electronicmedia.  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 communicationandadvocacy. *******