OUR CORRESPONDENT
TEZPUR: In response to the ongoing flood situation, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Sivasagar, has intensified vector-control and disease-surveillance activities across flood-affected areas of the district to prevent the outbreak and spread of vector-borne diseases.
Extensive fogging operations have been carried out in flood-affected areas, including Bihubor, Nepalikhuti, Santak, Nazira, Geleky, Bhadhora, Nimaijan and Sivasagar urban areas, as well as under the Geleky and Khelua BPHCs. The programme has also covered all health blocks of the district to reduce mosquito populations and prevent diseases such as Japanese Encephalitis/Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (JE/AES) and dengue.
Alongside fogging operations, comprehensive awareness programmes are being conducted among grassroots communities. Residents are being educated about vector-borne diseases, preventive measures, the importance of eliminating waterlogging and mosquito-breeding sites around their homes, and maintaining proper hygiene.
Larvicidal spraying using Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTi) is also underway in waterlogged drains and other potential mosquito-breeding sites in flood-affected areas. In addition, Insecticide-Treated Bed Net (ITBN) impregnation is being carried out across the district, with 38,117 bed nets impregnated so far. To strengthen public outreach, an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) van has been deployed to disseminate health messages, while awareness leaflets are being distributed from house to house. Fever surveillance is also being conducted through blood-slide collection and rapid diagnostic tests for malaria during routine health programmes, health camps and special health camps organised by the Government of Assam in flood-affected areas under the supervision of Health Minister Ashok Singhal.
The National Health Mission (NHM), Sivasagar, is also undertaking extensive awareness activities to prevent the transmission of vector-borne and water-borne diseases in the aftermath of the floods.
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