Task force formed to tackle dengue, chikungunya in Gurgaon

The action plan to fight dengue and chikungunya was drafted on National Dengue Day

Leading private sector organisations, hospitals, civil societies, residents’ welfare associations and government agencies came together on National Dengue Day to draft a comprehensive action plan and constitute the ‘Gurgaon Task Force’ to tackle the menace of vector-borne diseases.

Last year, Gurgaon recorded a three-year high in the number of dengue cases, with the district health department registering 401 cases. (HT PHOTO)

Dr Naresh Trehan, chairman and managing director, Medanta, launched Mission Stop Dengue. The mission is aimed at the well-being of more than 75,000 students of Gurgaon, Lisana, Jhajjar, Manesar, Delhi-NCR and Faridabad. Also, kits to tackle dengue were distributed to ‘dengue champions’ who will spread the message to the community.

The initiative was taken on the National Dengue Day as the monsoon is approaching and the rains bring with them vector-borne diseases every year.

Last year, the city recorded a three-year high in the number of dengue cases, with the district health department registering 401 cases. In 2012, 375 cases were reported, while 175 were reported in 2013 and 86 in 2014

The DLF Foundation, in collaboration with the health department, Gurgaon, Union ministry of health and family welfare and Synergie, organised an interactive session on vector-borne diseases.

National buildings construction corporation , Diwan Housing Finance Ltd, Max hospitals, Medanta, research scholars from Jawaharlal Nehru University and RWA representatives attended the session.

Read I Gurgaon: Doctors raise dengue alert in city

Dr Kanta Goel, chief medical officer, Gurgaon, said, “Education and awareness can be crucial for tackling vector-borne diseases in Gurgaon. One needs to be proactive and try to educate oneself and the community.”

“Vector-borne diseases are a paradox of development. On one hand, we claim to be advanced and equipped with the latest technology, while, on the other hand, we are struggling to tackle these diseases which are absolutely curable and preventable,” said Mohini Daljeet Singh, CEO, Max Foundation.

Stressing the role of folk media, she highlighted how puppet shows can be crucial in spreading health awareness.

The session also saw the outlining of the landscape of vector-borne diseases by three prominent doctors of the city — Dr SS Saroha, deputy civil surgeon (VBD), Saroj Deswal, biologist at the office of civil surgeon and Ram Prakash, epidemiologist at the office of civil surgeon.

“The session on vector-borne diseases was informative and made us aware of the magnitude of the problem. We recognise our role in implementing the blueprint to tackle the menace,” said Dr SN Misra, resident of Wellington DLF-5.

Col (retd) Tej Prakash Tewari, advisor, DLF Foundation, said, “There is an urgent need to address the issue of vector-borne disease in Gurgaon and collaboration holds the key. We are trying to get all the corporates, hospitals, RWAs and other organisations who are working towards this aim under one umbrella.”