State on brink of ending encephalitis, formal announcement soon: Yogi Adityanath

The CM started the campaign, which will run until October 31, by flagging off public awareness campaign vehicles. He also honoured two ASHA workers and two Anganwadi workers for their “excellent work”. He also provided Ayushman cards to four beneficiaries of the Ayushman Yojana.

Notably, the government conducts special campaigns for communicable disease control three times a year through inter-departmental coordination. The current campaign, which runs from October to January, includes a 15-day programme in the first phase aimed at raising awareness and facilitating inter-departmental coordination. The Chief Minister explained that from October 16 to 31, ASHA workers would go door-to-door as part of the ‘Dastak Abhiyan’ to identify and provide appropriate treatment to patients in every household.

The CM mentioned that Uttar Pradesh has the highest population in the country and the state, especially eastern UP, was severely affected by encephalitis before 2017. “Before 2017, 500-600 patients were admitted to the BRD Medical College alone on an average annually during this season, whereas 1,200 to 1,500 children used to die across the state every year. Encephalitis caused 500 to 600 child deaths in BRD Medical College alone. However, now the disease and the deaths caused by it are on the verge of becoming history,” he said.

During the programme organised at BRD Medical College on Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed annaprashan (feeding ceremony) of small children.