India Achieves Significant Progress in Combatting Neglected Tropical Diseases: Health Ministry
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Synopsis
On the occasion of World NTD Day, the Indian Health Ministry highlights India's significant advancements in combatting Neglected Tropical Diseases, emphasizing community participation and awareness to tackle these health challenges.
Key Takeaways
- India is making significant strides in combating NTDs.
- World NTD Day is celebrated every January 30.
- Lymphatic Filariasis remains a challenge, but eradication efforts are in place.
- Community engagement is crucial for success in health initiatives.
- Integrated vector management is essential for tackling disease burdens.
New Delhi, Jan 30 (NationPress) India is achieving remarkable progress in addressing Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD), as stated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday in honor of World NTD Day.
World NTD Day is celebrated annually on January 30, with this year's theme being 'Unite. Act. Eliminate'.
“We are aligning with the global community in recognizing World NTD Day. These diseases have not been overlooked in India, as we are making significant advancements in combating them,” remarked Dr. Tanu Jain, Director of the National Vector-Borne Diseases Control Programme (NCVBDC), in a statement to IANS.
To commemorate the event, India Gate was illuminated in vibrant shades of purple and pink.
This initiative aims to boost awareness about these diseases and showcase India’s ongoing efforts to combat them.
Dr. Jain highlighted that India still faces challenges with Lymphatic Filariasis, commonly referred to as elephantiasis, which is a painful and severely disfiguring condition.
“Our battle against Lymphatic Filariasis persists, as we have ceased Mass Drug Administration in 139 districts where it has now been eradicated,” she added.
She urged residents in endemic regions to engage in the upcoming biannual MDA round scheduled for February 10.
Dr. Jain also encouraged individuals to “take preventive medication, even if you do not show symptoms.”
As India strives to eradicate this disease by 2027, “community involvement and support in areas with microfilariae prevalence” are crucial.
Dr. Neeraj Dhingra, former director of NCVBDC, emphasized that ongoing interventions and enhanced surveillance are vital for eliminating NTDs such as LF and VL in India.
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) poses a risk to 404 million people across India.
Additionally, he advocated for an integrated approach to vector management coupled with community participation to reduce the disease burden.
“The 'Unite. Act. Eliminate' strategy highlights that NTDs are not merely a health issue but are also intricately linked to social, economic, and environmental factors,” he stated.
The lighting of India Gate was complemented by a nukkad natak (street play) aimed at engaging the public and reinforcing the importance of behavioral change and participation in health initiatives such as Mass Drug Administration (MDA) rounds for LF.
