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.”

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"Key strategies for diagnosing and treating malaria under the National Malaria Control Program."

“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.”


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

  1. Disease Management:
  • Early detection and complete treatment.
  • Preparedness for epidemics and rapid response.
  1. Integrated Vector Management:
  • Indoor residual spray.
  • Use of insecticide-treated bed nets.
  • Anti-larval measures like source reduction.
  1. Supportive Interventions:
  • Health education and behavior change communication.
  • Capacity building and training.
  • Intersectoral convergence (collaboration across sectors).

"National Malaria Control Program under NVBDCP"
Flowchart of malaria diagnosis and treatment under the National Malaria Control Program.”

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

  1. Against Larvae:
  • Use larvicides in stagnant water (e.g., Temphos, Paris green).
  1. Against Adult Mosquitoes:
  • Spray residual insecticides like DDT.
  • Use mosquito nets and repellents.
  1. 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:

  1. 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.
  1. Case Management:
  • Focus on laboratory diagnosis and effective clinical management of dengue cases.
  1. 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.
  1. Outbreak Response:
  • Epidemic Preparedness: Prepare for potential outbreaks with resources and planning.
  • Media Management: Use media to inform the public during outbreaks.
  1. Capacity Building:
  • Training: Provide training for healthcare workers.
  • Infrastructure Development: Improve facilities and resources.
  • Operational Research: Conduct research to improve dengue control methods.
  1. Behavioral Change Communication:
  • Social Mobilization: Engage the community in dengue prevention efforts.
  • Information, Education, and Communication (IEC): Spread awareness about dengue prevention.
  1. Inter-sectoral Coordination:
  • Work together with both health and non-health sectors to control dengue.
  1. 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:

  1. Environmental Control:
  • Educate the community on reducing mosquito-breeding sites by eliminating water-filled containers, both natural and artificial.
  1. 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:

  1. Health Education:
  • Focus on educating rural women and children about preventing Guinea worm disease.
  1. Rumor Registration and Investigation:
  • Keep track of any rumors about Guinea worm cases and investigate them thoroughly.
  1. Surveillance:
  • Continue monitoring areas previously infected with Guinea worm.
  • Maintain Guinea worm disease on the notified list of diseases.
  1. Safe Water Supply:
  • Ensure the proper functioning of hand pumps and other safe drinking water sources to prevent the spread of the disease.

COURSE – B.SC

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