How Delhi achieved it's zero dengue death target
New Delhi: The Aam Admi Party-led (AAP) government initiated a fight against vector-borne diseases in 2015, the year that had an endemic situation of 15,867 cases. Till November 4, 2019, 1,069 cases were reported with zero deaths. Health Minister Satyendra Jain said that this was the result of a collective effort of the entire Health Department and the Delhi government, and that he alone shouldn't be given credit for it.
In an interview with Millennium Post, Jain said, "10 hafte 10 baje campaign was successful and this year the number of dengue cases were very less as compared to other years. In fact at a time when dengue is spreading in other states, in Delhi we have managed to contain it through our various measures. This is a result of team work."
The initial struggle faced by the Delhi government was prevention of breeding of the Aedus mosquito (commonly known as the dengue mosquito) followed by prevention from getting "bitten" by the mosquito. If prevention failed then cure was the last resort.
In 2016, the government established a dedicated dengue control cell to conduct dengue prevention related activities.
A report by the Delhi government stated, "High-risk areas were identified and shared with local bodies to take necessary preventive measures. All establishments including government and private hospitals were directed to identify a Nodal Officer to ensure that there is no mosquito breeding in the premises. Fever corners were established at all government hospitals, 202 dispensaries, and 106 local clinics. Dedicated dengue beds were earmarked in hospitals, and adequate quantity of dengue diagnostic kits were provided to all surveillance hospitals." All hospitals were directed to admit dengue cases on priority basis, and to ensure that no patient is denied admission. All medical and paramedical staff were sensitised regarding prevention and management of dengue. Orders were issued to put a cap on the rates for platelet count test.
In 2017, nearly 1,000 beds were earmarked for fever cases in Delhi government hospitals and were made available for patients. The government also issued a circular, that allowed private hospitals to increase their bed strength by 10 to 20 per cent. A mega training programme on "How to protect Delhi from Dengue-Chikungunya-Malaria & H1N1-(Swine Flu)" was organised, too.
A source said, "Workshops were organised to sensitise doctors about dengue control and management. To further the awareness aspect, 30 lakh handouts on dengue were distributed. Mohalla Clinics played an important role too, as it segregated authentic dengue cases from other cases and a 24x7 helpline number was established for dengue prevention."
Besides the Delhi government also took strict action against violations. A document stated, "In 2018, 44,020 legal notices were served for various violations and 3,073 prosecutions were initiated overall for ensuring cleanliness and dengue free premises." As a result of these efforts, the incidence of dengue reduced from 15,867 cases in 2015 to 2798 in 2018. This constitutes a 81 per cent reduction.
In 2019, "The 10 hafte, 10 baje, 10 minute — har ravivar, dengue par vaar campaign", boosted people to participate and further curb the spread of the vector borne disease. Starting from September 1 to November 15 — which is also the peak dengue season — the government constituted 272 ward-wise teams with 20-25 members comprising the officials from all stakeholders to take up preventative activities in their wards.
