Steps taken for Prevention and Control of Vector-Borne Diseases

Public Health is a State Subject and the responsibility for strengthening of healthcare system lies with 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 organized both at central and state level.

Government of India 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) 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.
• Government is providing free of cost JE vaccine (2 doses) under Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) for the 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) identified across the Country. Tests 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.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patelstated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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HFW/PQ-Steps taken for Prevention and Control of Vector Borne Diseases/17 March 2026/4