Drive to create awareness on vector-borne diseases

Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 26

Various government and non-government organisations have launched a coordinated movement to spread awareness about causes and consequences of vector-borne diseases, including dengue and malaria, in Sangrur and Ludhiana districts.

The event, inaugurated by Sangrur Additional Deputy Commissioner Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, has been extended to rural localities, including venues of dharnas, where farmers are protesting.

Spreading awareness through workshops, personal contact programmes and seminars by volunteers and fumigation and spray of insecticide were cited as steps being taken by teams of enthusiasts.

The project convener, Rajinder Sharma, said volunteers led by Dr Dipesh Batra had launched a campaign to spread awareness about causes and consequences of spread of dengue and malaria among residents of slums situated on outskirts of the town and surrounding localities. Besides distributing free mosquito repellants, enthusiasts organised camps for conducting diagnostic tests to ascertain platelet count.

The organisers also held special camps to spread awareness on vector-borne diseases at MGMN Senior Secondary School, Victoria Public Senior Secondary School, Lehra, and Grain Market where blood samples of desirous persons were collected for diagnostic tests to detect dengue and malaria.

Municipal Council executive officer Vikram Jit said officials in the Public Health and Sanitation Department had been advised to ensure regular fogging to kill mosquitoes and prevent water stagnation. — OC