Govt allocates Rs100 million for mosquito control to combat dengue

KATHMANDU: Following the emergence of cholera and dengue infections across various regions, Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) has initiated measures to prevent these from escalating into full-blown epidemics.

Minister Pradeep Paudel has directed the ministry to take immediate and effective action in response to the rise in cholera and dengue cases.

In response, the ministry has rolled out both short-term and long-term measures.

According to the ministry, the Epidemic and Disease Control Division is leading efforts in collaboration with state and local authorities.

Rapid response teams have been deployed to affected areas to monitor and control the spread of cholera. These teams are focused on identifying cases and monitoring individuals who have had direct contact with infected persons to prevent further spread and manage the situation in affected locations.

To control waterborne diseases, the ministry is working to improve water quality in the affected areas through discussions with relevant stakeholders.

A comprehensive national cholera control plan for 2024-2030 is being prepared to address these issues and enhance food quality monitoring and surveillance.

Focus on Dengue Control

To combat the dengue outbreak caused by mosquitoes, the ministry is prioritizing mosquito control efforts. Laboratory facilities for dengue testing have been established in all seven provinces.

The ministry has allocated Rs 100 million for dengue control measures, including mosquito habitat management at both provincial and local levels.

Over 1,000 trained doctors and health workers are being deployed for control and diagnosis, and federal hospitals, institutions, and medical colleges have designated contact persons to address any emerging issues swiftly.

As of now, over 3,300 dengue cases have been confirmed in 73 districts, with one reported death.

The ministry has developed a Dengue Control and Prevention Action Plan for 2081 (2024-2025) and has distributed it to all provinces and local levels. Special emphasis is being placed on 126 local units in 13 high-risk districts for immediate and long-term planning.

To raise awareness, the ministry is broadcasting radio messages in Nepali and 13 other languages. A toll-free hotline (1115) has been set up to address patient queries and issues.

Additionally, the ministry is providing free dengue test kits and implementing the dengue control and prevention action plan in risk-prone districts.