Who cares about WHO guidelines

Hobbled by years of neglect, not only in the hinterlands, but also in the core-city area, medical facilities remain woefully unprepared for the outbreak.

For the state health department and local urban bodies, political considerations always outweigh scientific facts.

A case in point would be fogging, which has long been banned by the WHO as it is ineffective in killing adult mosquitoes and pose serious health hazards for humans.

Still, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation KMC continues with fogging, as the Councillors of some wards demand it.

Sahidul Islam, joint commissioner, KMC, said: 8220;We understand that fogging does not help kill mosquitoes and the fact has been reiterated by the WHO. But some councillors nag us for fogging in their wards. If we try to explain, they say the people want it. The councillors simply do it to get public support during election.8221;

As per the WHO guidelines, during the mosquito breeding season, a number of anti-vector measures should be implemented 8212; including the strengthening of vector surveillance measures.

Guidelines say civic bodies have to distribute family-size insecticide impregnated bed-nets to the families living in slums or congested areas.

Besides, the Ministry of Health has to stockpile anti-malarial treatments in hospitals in the affected areas. Immediate treatment can help stop the infection.

8220;The WHO warned us about the rising risk of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue across the state,8221; said a senior health official, 8220;but due to lack of infrastructure, we have been able to do little about it.8221;

Providing support for vector-control strategies 8212; including establishment of a proper drainage system and engineering methods 8212; are key components of WHO8217;s long-term strategy to refurbish public health infrastructure.

According to the guidelines of NVDCP, cities like Kolkata that are endemic to malaria and dengue, the department of health has to conduct its routine vector-control activities throughout the year by collecting active data.

8220;We asked all urban bodies and the state health department to distribute insecticide-treated mosquito nets in slums. We also emphasised on procuring rapid diagnostic test kits for malaria and dengue,8221; said H G Thakor, consultant, NVDCP. But the preventive measures have not been implemented properly.

8220;We are looking into the matter. Tomorrow, we will meet some senior officials and discuss this issue,8221; he added.

Besides, NVDCP has recommended the constitution of an Emergency Action Team and Rapid Action Team under the municipal commissioner comprising administrators, entomologists, epidemiologists, clinicians and laboratory specialists during an outbreak.

8220;We could not formulate such action teams as we are short of manpower. Earlier, the authorities said health workers will be recruited urgently, but that is yet to be done,8221; said Subodh Dey, MMiC, Health.