LG for effective communication to combat dengue, chikungunya

Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal today asked the education department officials to spread awareness about the dos and don'ts on prevention of vector- borne diseases in schools, colleges and other educational institutions.
The LG was chairing a review meet on preparedness to combat malaria, dengue and chikungunya, cases of which are rising in the city. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Health Minister Satyendar Jain, Delhi Chief Secretary, and several other senior officials were also present in the meeting.
The Lt Governor instructed the education department that an advisory be issued to all schools, colleges and institutes that the students in the morning assembly/prayers be informed about the the dos and don'ts on prevention of dengue and chikungunya.

"They shall also issue an advisory to all the schools asking students to be allowed wearing full-sleeved uniform with full-length trousers, so that maximum protection can be ensured as the aedes mosquito bites during the day time," Baijal said.
He also re-emphasised on the importance of IEC (information, education and communication) as the main tool for combating the vector-borne diseases, particularly dengue and chikungunya.
"Crisp targeted messages particularly in vernacular languages shall be disseminated," he was quoted as saying in a Raj Niwas statement.

He also asked all the agencies to effectively monitor and improve the functioning of 24X7 helplines and update their database to provide real-time information on hospital beds and other details to the public.

At least 125 cases of malaria, 152 of chikungunya and nearly 100 of dengue have been recorded in the national capital till July 1 this year, according to the latest municipal report.
The chief minister also stressed on involvement of all sections of community and making fight against dengue and chikungunya a people's movement.
The LG stressed that there should be engagement of RWAs with domestic breeding checkers (DBCs) to visit and monitor the households for any potential breeding sites.
"This shall also help in sharing of responsibility of checking with RWAs as well as sensitise residents of the colonies. Political leaders, corporators, district magistrates, SDMs and other field-level agencies must be involved in awareness generation," Baijal said.

He further directed the municipal bodies that a nodal person be designated for each ward who shall be responsible for vector control and awareness-related measures and ward- wise report of activities being carried out at ground level should submitted on daily basis to the controlling authorities.
Delhi Jal Board was advised to repair or replace all the leaking water pipelines.
Baijal also urged other organisations like the Railways, the DMRC, the DTC and the DDA to appoint nodal officers who will be responsible for vector control related activities, awareness campaign among residents of staff colonies, distribution of informative literature.