Community Health Nursing - II
“Comprehensive Guide to National Vector-Borne Diseases Control Program: Top Strategies and Key Measures for Effective Prevention”
“A detailed guide on the National Vector-Borne Diseases Control Program, highlighting effective strategies for managing and preventing vector-borne diseases in India.”
“Learn about the National Vector-Borne Diseases Control Program, focusing on essential strategies like disease management, integrated vector management, and community health education to combat malaria, dengue, and other vector-borne diseases.”
Table of Contents
National Vector-Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP)
“National Vector-Borne Diseases are a significant health concern in India, with the National Vector-Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP) at the forefront of prevention and control efforts.”
- Purpose: Central program for controlling diseases spread by vectors like mosquitoes and sand flies in India.
- Diseases Covered: Malaria, Dengue, Lymphatic Filariasis, Kala-azar, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Chikungunya.
- Transmission: All these diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes except Kala-azar (by sand flies).
Key Strategies
- Disease Management:
- Early detection and complete treatment.
- Preparedness for epidemics and rapid response.
- Integrated Vector Management:
- Indoor residual spray.
- Use of insecticide-treated bed nets.
- Anti-larval measures like source reduction.
- Supportive Interventions:
- Health education and behavior change communication.
- Capacity building and training.
- Intersectoral convergence (collaboration across sectors).
Malaria Control Program
- Vision: Reduce malaria burden and aim for elimination.
- Goal: Achieve an Annual Parasite Index (API) of <1 per 1000 population by 2017.
- Strategies:
- Screening all fever cases for malaria.
- Treating all positive cases promptly and effectively.
Preventive Measures
- Against Larvae:
- Use larvicides in stagnant water (e.g., Temphos, Paris green).
- Against Adult Mosquitoes:
- Spray residual insecticides like DDT.
- Use mosquito nets and repellents.
- Community Protection:
- Promote protective clothing and use of mosquito mesh.
- Educate the community about prevention and management.
Health Education
- Essential for informing the community about the causes, spread, and prevention of vector-borne diseases.
- Use various educational approaches for effective communication.
This summary provides a clear overview of the key points related to National Vector-Borne Diseases and their control.
National Malaria Control Program Under NVBDCP.
- Main Goal: Control and prevent malaria through effective strategies and treatment.
- Diagnosis & Treatment:
- Check for malaria with blood smears (thin and thick).
- Start treatment while waiting for lab results (presumptive treatment).
- Follow the treatment plan based on the type of malaria detected.
- Ensure the first dose is given under observation.
- Role of Community Health Nurse:
- Monitor vital signs of all patients.
- Never ignore any case of fever.
- Educate patients and their families about malaria.
- Advise patients to drink plenty of water and monitor for vomiting after taking medicine.
- If the patient shows signs of severe illness (e.g., drowsiness), refer them to the hospital immediately.
- Follow-up: Regularly check on the patient and their family to ensure recovery and prevent further spread of malaria.
Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Program: Simple Notes
- Disease Overview:
- Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is a tropical disease affecting over 120 million people worldwide.
- It causes severe disfigurement and disability in about 40 million people.
- Program History:
- The National Filarial Control Program (NFCP) began in 1955.
- In 2003, it was included in the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP).
- Training and research are conducted by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi.
- Elimination Definition:
- The disease is considered eliminated when less than 1% of the population carries the microfilaria, and new-borns are free from the infection.
- Major Activities:
- Goal: The goal is to eliminate lymphatic filariasis by 2015, as per the National Health Policy 2002.
- Strategies:
- Annual mass drug administration (MDA) with a single dose of antifilarial drugs like DEC and Albendazole for at least 5 years.
- Home-based care for lymphedema and hydrocele surgeries.
- Anti-larval and anti-mosquito measures in endemic areas.
- Improved sanitation, including drainage facilities and preventing water stagnation.
- Health education on environmental cleanliness and use of insect repellents.
- Exclusions from MDA:
- Pregnant women, children under 2 years, and seriously ill people are excluded from MDA.
- Ongoing Efforts:
- Microfilarial surveys and drug administration are regularly conducted to monitor progress.
- Public awareness campaigns encourage regular treatment and home care management.
Kala-Azar Control Program:
- Program Overview:
- The Kala-azar control program is a centrally sponsored initiative launched in 1990-91.
- Before the use of DDT, Kala-azar was highly endemic in India, causing significant economic harm due to high morbidity and mortality.
- Elimination Strategies:
- Enhanced Case Detection: Improved methods for finding and treating cases.
- Rapid Diagnostic Kits: Introduction of PK39 kits for quick diagnosis.
- Oral Drug “Miltefosine”: Used for treating Kala-azar.
- Vector Control: Fogging with pyrethroid instead of DDT to eliminate sandflies.
- Behavioral Impact Communication: Educating the community to encourage cooperation in eradication efforts.
- Capacity Building: Strengthening the skills of healthcare providers.
- Supervision & Monitoring: Regular checks and evaluations to ensure program effectiveness.
- Case Search for Kala-azar:
- Quarterly Searches: More frequent searches, called “Kala-azar fortnight surveys,” involving door-to-door visits.
- Incentives: ASHA workers receive ₹300 per identified case and ₹100 for community support during insecticide sprays. Patients receive ₹500 during hospitalization.
- Revised Eradication Strategy (2014):
- New Diagnostic Tools: Introduction of RDT developed by ICMR.
- New Treatment: Liposomal Amphotericin B (IV 10 mg-single dose) provided free by WHO.
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Control Program:
- Disease Overview:
- JE is a severe disease causing up to 20,400 deaths annually worldwide.
- Survivors often suffer from long-term neurological issues such as paralysis or seizures.
- The disease is prevalent in rural and peri-urban areas of several Indian states.
- Vector Control Strategies:
- Alternate Wet and Dry Irrigation (AWDI): Helps control mosquito breeding by disrupting their lifecycle in paddy fields.
- Biological Control: Use of natural predators like Gambusia fish to control mosquito populations.
- Chemical Control: Application of deltamethrin, organophosphates, and carbamates to reduce mosquito numbers.
- Health Education:
- Community Involvement: Educate and engage communities in cleaning surroundings and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
- Personal Protective Measures: Wearing full-sleeved clothing, using mosquito nets, and applying repellents.
- Management:
- No specific treatment is available; supportive care includes feeding, airway management, and seizure control.
- Long-term care and rehabilitation may be needed for survivors.
- Surveillance:
- Clinical Surveillance: Early diagnosis and management of JE patients at primary health centers.
- Vector Surveillance: Monitoring mosquito behavior in risk areas to adapt control measures accordingly.
Dengue Control:
Overview:
- Dengue is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
- Severe dengue is a leading cause of death among children in some Asian and Latin American countries.
- A significant dengue outbreak occurred in Delhi in 1996.
Government Actions:
- 311 hospitals were identified for laboratory support in endemic areas.
- 14 Apex Referral Laboratories were linked with these hospitals for better case management.
Eight Key Elements for Dengue Prevention and Control:
- Surveillance:
- Continuous monitoring in areas with Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus mosquitoes.
- Sentinel clinics report fever cases (above 38°C) to public health authorities for further blood tests and identification.
- Case Management:
- Focus on laboratory diagnosis and effective clinical management of dengue cases.
- Vector Management:
- Source Reduction: Eliminate breeding sites for mosquitoes.
- Chemical Control: Use of insecticides to control mosquito populations.
- Personal Protection: Encourage the use of mosquito repellents and nets.
- Legal Measures: Implement laws to enforce mosquito control efforts.
- Outbreak Response:
- Epidemic Preparedness: Prepare for potential outbreaks with resources and planning.
- Media Management: Use media to inform the public during outbreaks.
- Capacity Building:
- Training: Provide training for healthcare workers.
- Infrastructure Development: Improve facilities and resources.
- Operational Research: Conduct research to improve dengue control methods.
- Behavioral Change Communication:
- Social Mobilization: Engage the community in dengue prevention efforts.
- Information, Education, and Communication (IEC): Spread awareness about dengue prevention.
- Inter-sectoral Coordination:
- Work together with both health and non-health sectors to control dengue.
- Monitoring and Supervision:
- Regular review, field visits, analysis of reports, and providing feedback for continuous improvement.
Chikungunya and Guinea Worm Disease Control:
Chikungunya Overview:
- The name “Chikungunya” comes from the Kimakonde language, meaning “to become contorted,” referring to the joint pain and stooped posture it causes.
- Chikungunya has spread to over 60 countries, especially in Asia.
- Prevention, control, and surveillance strategies are similar to those used for Dengue.
Role of Community Health Nurse in Chikungunya Control:
- Environmental Control:
- Educate the community on reducing mosquito-breeding sites by eliminating water-filled containers, both natural and artificial.
- Personal Protective Measures:
- Wear clothing that minimizes skin exposure to mosquito bites.
- Treat clothes with permethrin to repel mosquitoes if possible.
- Apply mosquito repellents containing DEET to exposed skin.
- Use insecticide-treated mosquito nets and mosquito coils to prevent indoor bites.
- Install insect screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
Guinea Worm Disease (Eradication Program) Overview:
- Guinea worm disease is a disabling parasitic disease that was common in rural areas with step-wells.
- The last case in India was reported in 1996.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) declared India and other South East Asian countries free of Guinea worm disease.
Key Activities in Guinea Worm Eradication:
- Health Education:
- Focus on educating rural women and children about preventing Guinea worm disease.
- Rumor Registration and Investigation:
- Keep track of any rumors about Guinea worm cases and investigate them thoroughly.
- Surveillance:
- Continue monitoring areas previously infected with Guinea worm.
- Maintain Guinea worm disease on the notified list of diseases.
- Safe Water Supply:
- Ensure the proper functioning of hand pumps and other safe drinking water sources to prevent the spread of the disease.
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