Dharamsala: Monsoon in India is at peak all over India and with it comes many diseases like Cold, Malaria, Dengue, Stomach Infection, Diarrhea, Fever, Typhoid, and Pneumonia. Since monsoon is the breeding season for mosquitoes, there is a greater likelihood of people to suffer from mosquito-borne diseases.
According to National Vector-borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), there were more than 4.87 lakh cases of malaria, dengue and chikungunya last year in India. Moreover, India is considered to be the 11 most malaria-affected countries in the world according to WHO.
Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue can cause havoc in our Tibetan society and can burden the already limited healthcare infrastructure in the Tibetan community in exile. Therefore, The Department of Health, CTA believes awareness of diseases and its symptoms is essential for screening and early detection. If members of the public are aware of mosquito-borne diseases and its symptoms, then they are more likely to take action to prevent it from happening to them and their family members or go to healthcare providers for regular check-ups.
Tibetan primary health center (TPHC) Dekyiling on 29th, 30th and 31st July 2020, carried out an awareness program on “Dengue and Typhoid fever” in Dekyiling Tibetan Settlement while maintaining proper social distancing. The health workers visited the residents and carried out the awareness program equipped with the pamphlets created by the Department of Health, CTA. Sanitization of crucial places like drainages was also done as blocked drainages remain one of the ideal places for the mosquitoes to lay eggs and breed in full bloom.
Such awareness and prevention programs contribute to the prevention of other public health issues like endemic in our country during this COVID-19 pandemic where more healthcare resources are channelled towards prevention and management of COVID-19.
DoHe appreciates TPHC Deckyiling for their initiative and encourages individuals or organizations to initiate such health activities.
