Vector-borne diseases should be prevented: WHO

Vector-borne diseases like Malaria, Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis could be eradicated through preventive measures and more financial commitment for campaigns against the diseases, the WHO said Tuesday.

"We want to make people empowered to take decisions on their own to prevent these diseases," Nata Menabde, World Health Organisation (WHO) representative to India said at a press briefing here.

Vector-borne diseases are transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, sand flies and fleas.

Menabde said there was a need to strengthen the overall healthcare system in the country to prevent these diseases and more financial commitment to contain them.

"I also want to emphasize the importance of the primary healthcare campaign in this regard," she said.

Asheena Khalakdina, WHO country office for India, said that in order to create awareness about the diseases, the WHO has decided to make vector-borne diseases the theme for this year's World Health Day celebrations April 7.

"In India, the National Health Mission has been important in curbing vector-borne diseases," Khalakdina said.

Around 70 percent of such diseases are reported from low and middle income countries while the total burden of such diseases globally stands at 17 percent.