Public participation key to fight infectious diseases: DyCM

Lucknow: Public contribution is necessary to keep infectious diseases away, said deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak while launching the month-long Dastak campaign at Balrampur Hospital on Wednesday."The govt is intensifying efforts to curb dengue, malaria and other seasonal infections through coordinated action and community participation. Together, we will strike against dengue and malaria," the DyCM said. Additional chief secretary, health, Amit Ghosh informed that as many as 13 departments will work in convergence mode to eliminate causes of seasonal infections while working for prevention and awareness. Pathak noted that the initiative, which began in just seven districts in 2018, has now been expanded to all 75 districts following its success. Highlighting the role of grassroots workers, he said ASHA and Anganwadi staff are the backbone of the campaign. "They reach over four crore households three times a year, spreading awareness on disease prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and hygiene," he said. Activities under the drive will also include sensitisation meetings, protection of pregnant women, safe drinking water practices and anti-mosquito measures. Citing improved health indicators, Pathak said encephalitis cases in the state have dropped significantly—from 4,724 in 2017 to 694 in 2025. Similarly, Japanese encephalitis cases declined from 693 to 63 during the same period. To strengthen dengue and chikungunya detection, 89 laboratories, including 86 sentinel and three apex labs, are now operational across all districts. The deputy chief minister flagged off an awareness rally, publicity vehicles and fogging machines as part of the campaign rollout. He urged citizens to prevent waterlogging and maintain cleanliness to check mosquito breeding, advising people not to allow stagnant water in coolers, tyres, utensils and other containers. Calling for collective responsibility, Pathak said the campaign must evolve into a mass movement to sustain gains made in controlling vector-borne diseases across the state.