Second high level review meeting was taken by the Union Health Minister Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad at 9.30 A.M. today i.e. 3rd September, 2010 to discuss the measures for containment of dengue infection in Delhi. The meeting was attended, among others, by Health and Family Welfare Minister of Delhi Government, Mayor of Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Commissioner of Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Chairman of New Delhi Municipal Council, Secretary of Urban Development Department, Government of India and Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. A brief presentation was made giving update on the dengue situation and emphasizing the need for urgent containment measures. The Union Health Minister sought the views of different stake-holders present in the meeting. It was the unanimous view that in the absence of any vaccine for dengue, source reduction measures were the most effective means of preventing and controlling dengue. It was also acknowledged that involvement of all stake-holders including the media was necessary to educate and sensitize people about dengue protection and control measures. After detailed discussions the following action points were agreed upon: • MCD and NDMC will undertake cleanliness drive in their respective jurisdiction starting from Monday (6th September, 2010). • MCD, NDMC will also undertake spraying operations for killing of larve of aedes aegypti in stagnant waters in public places/buildings. The hospital authorities of MCD, NDMC, Delhi Government and Central Government will also take all source reduction measures to eliminate breeding. • MCD will constitute Ward Level Task Force under the Ward Councillor for undertaking Dengue prevention and control measures with active participation of local community. • MCD will institute a system of rewarding best performing Ward Level Task Forces. • MCD and NDMC will also ensure access to larvicide (Temephos) by making it available through their zonal and ward level teams for use by Resident Welfare Associations and other such bodies. • MCD, NDMC and CPWD will jointly visit private and public buildings and housing colonies to ensure that all water storage tanks are covered with lids and all coolers, flower pots and other containers are free from aedes aegypti mosquitoes. • The MCD, NDMC, Delhi Government and Central government authorities will hold meetings with the medical officers/doctors in their hospitals and clinics to arrange for proper diagnosis and management of all fever cases including dengue cases. The Union Health Minister appealed to residents and citizens of Delhi to fully cooperate with MCD, NDMC and other law enforcement agencies in carrying out measures for prevention and control of dengue in Delhi.
