SDMC launches month-long campaign against dengue, malaria

A month-long awareness campaign has been launched by a civic body here for sensitisation and effective participation of municipal councillors and the local RWAs for prevention of vector-borne diseases in the city ahead of the monsoon.
"The campaign headed by the SDMC was launched yesterday by South Delhi Mayor Khushi Ram Chunar, who said the municipal body's Public Health Department will sensitise RWAs and all 104 councillors on malaria, dengue who will then create awareness among the masses in their respective wards," SDMC Public Relations Officer Mukesh Yadav said today.
Over 5,500 dengue cases and six deaths were registered in the national capital last year, according to SDMC, which compiles the vector-borne diseases report for the capital city.

The capital had witnessed a large number of dengue cases in 2010 with over 6,200 cases reported in the city. In 2009, 1,153 cases were registered, over 1,300 cases in 2008, and 1,131 cases in 2011 while 2,093 cases in 2013.
"The campaign will set the groundwork for disease prevention work before monsoon sets in and we want all our councillors ready, apart from increasing the participation of RWAs," Yadav said.
During the launch, N K Yadav, Municipal Health Officer, South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) gave a detailed presentation about the activities undertaken by the Public Health Department to control the breeding of mosquitoes to prevent spread of dengue and malaria.

Yadav informed that 'temephos' is available free of cost to one and all at circle offices of malaria each of the SDMC's ward. 'Temephos', a larvicide is used to check mosquito breeding in clean stagnant water like in coolers or any other place which cannot be cleaned up regularly.

Chairman, Standing Committee, Satish Upadhyay and many Councillors were also present on the occasion.
The Mayor also appealed to the councillors to come forward and play an important role in creating awareness among masses that would be real service to the society and assured that the Public Health Department of SDMC would extend its full co-operation in all its areas.

Upadhyay said that fogging and use of spray on a regular basis is not the remedy as mosquitoes develop immunity against pesticides, rendering them ineffective.
So, fogging or spraying is done only where infected mosquitoes are found. But, the target of fully checking the breeding of mosquitoes can only be achieved with the help of community participation. And, for that we have to use latest publicity techniques for creating awareness, Upadhyay said.