ID :
20949
Wed, 09/24/2008 - 10:29
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/20949
The shortlink copeid
WHO URGES GOVTS TO BE READY TO PREVENT DENGUE OUTBREAKS
By P. Vijian
NEW DELHI, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Since climate change has been singled out as a factor in the re-emergence of dengue in the region, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged policy-makers to take constructive measures to prevent major outbreaks in the coming months.
"We require our member states to take tangible steps towards implementing
the Asia-Pacific Dengue Strategic plan, especially in the area of strengthening
the system for prediction, early detection, cross-border surveillance,
preparedness and early response to outbreaks and epidemics," Dr Samlee
Plianbangchang, WHO regional director for South-East Asia, said in a statement
Tuesday.
Disturbed by the spread of the vector-borne disease across the region, WHO
fears any lax in implementing the action plan could endanger public health --
risking millions, especially children in rural areas -- vulnerable to the
mosquito-spread disease.
WHO estimates about 75 per cent of the population in the Asia-Pacific
region are at risk to the man-made problem, largely linked to globalisation,
rapid
unplanned and unregulated urban development, improper water storage and
unsatisfactory sanitary conditions, which provide breeding grounds for the
mosquito.
Early warnings of the emergence of dengue are already visible in
over-populated countries like India and Indonesia.
The transmission season for dengue in India, particularly Delhi, began in
August, with its peak expected between October and November.
Indonesia has shown a gradual increase of reported cases since 2000, with
about 156,000 cases last year.
It is likely that this year, the figures will edge close to last year's as
dengue in transmitted year-round in Indonesia, with a tendency to peak between
December and February.
The Asia Pacific Dengue Strategic Plan (2008-2015) essentially assists
countries to reverse the rising trend of dengue by enhancing their preparedness,
enabling them to promptly detect, characterise and contain outbreaks.
-- BERNAMA
NEW DELHI, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Since climate change has been singled out as a factor in the re-emergence of dengue in the region, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged policy-makers to take constructive measures to prevent major outbreaks in the coming months.
"We require our member states to take tangible steps towards implementing
the Asia-Pacific Dengue Strategic plan, especially in the area of strengthening
the system for prediction, early detection, cross-border surveillance,
preparedness and early response to outbreaks and epidemics," Dr Samlee
Plianbangchang, WHO regional director for South-East Asia, said in a statement
Tuesday.
Disturbed by the spread of the vector-borne disease across the region, WHO
fears any lax in implementing the action plan could endanger public health --
risking millions, especially children in rural areas -- vulnerable to the
mosquito-spread disease.
WHO estimates about 75 per cent of the population in the Asia-Pacific
region are at risk to the man-made problem, largely linked to globalisation,
rapid
unplanned and unregulated urban development, improper water storage and
unsatisfactory sanitary conditions, which provide breeding grounds for the
mosquito.
Early warnings of the emergence of dengue are already visible in
over-populated countries like India and Indonesia.
The transmission season for dengue in India, particularly Delhi, began in
August, with its peak expected between October and November.
Indonesia has shown a gradual increase of reported cases since 2000, with
about 156,000 cases last year.
It is likely that this year, the figures will edge close to last year's as
dengue in transmitted year-round in Indonesia, with a tendency to peak between
December and February.
The Asia Pacific Dengue Strategic Plan (2008-2015) essentially assists
countries to reverse the rising trend of dengue by enhancing their preparedness,
enabling them to promptly detect, characterise and contain outbreaks.
-- BERNAMA
