Delhi government launches campaign to tackle dengue, chikungunya
1 min read . Updated: 28 Aug 2019, 06:34 PM IST
Premium- According to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, there has been an 80% decline in the number of cases since AAP came to power in 2015
- Around 15,867 cases of dengue and chikungunya were reported in 2015; 2,798 cases were reported in 2018; Seventy five cases have been reported so far in 2019
New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government has started a campaign to tackle the number of dengue and chikungunya cases in the national capital. According to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, there has been an 80% decline in the number of cases since the AAP government came to power in 2015.
This comes as Delhi faces a yearly battle against vector-borne diseases. According to the government, 15,867 cases of dengue and chikungunya were reported in 2015. In 2018, that number was down to 2,798 cases. Seventy five cases have been reported so far in 2019.
To further reduce the number, the Delhi government has launched a programme spread across 10 weeks, urging residents of Delhi to take out 10 minutes at 10 o'clock every Sunday to check their houses and surroundings for any mosquito breeding spots. The campaign will be launched on 1 September.
“A large scale awareness programme has been undertaken. A lot of fever and mohalla clinics have also been set up. This year we don't want the figure to increase. We want to be free permanently. From 1 September we are starting a massive campaign. We are appealing to the people of Delhi that they give 10 minutes at 10 am every Sunday to check their houses. Dengue thrives on clean water," Kejriwal said.
According to Kejriwal, the numbers of dengue and chikungunya-infected patients have increased across the country, but the trend has been reversed in Delhi.
“In the Delhi government, we have made health and education our main focus. In the first year we increased the health budget by 14%. Today the budget is around ₹7,800 crore. In the last four years, there has been an unprecedented improvement in healthcare infrastructure. During monsoon, there is an onslaught of dengue and chikungunya," Kejriwal said.
The campaign will also be undertaken by the chief minister, Cabinet ministers, members of the legislative assembly and officers of the Delhi government.
