World Health Day: Prevent Vector-borne Diseases

April 7th is considered as World Health Day for spreading the awareness about the importance of health and healthy living among people all around the globe. Every year it comes with a theme slogan and the whole year will be dedicated to the same topic. World Health Day theme 2014 is vector-borne diseases with the slogan “Small bite, big threat”. The incidence of diseases such as malaria, dengue, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease and yellow fever has been increased tremendously among the world population. These are caused by the vectors like mosquitoes, flies, water snails and ticks. More than half the world’s population is considered to be at risk for vector-borne diseases.

MOST COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS IN INDIA

The interesting fact is that most of the vector-borne diseases are preventable if we take some care and precautions. The World Health Day theme 2014 is giving emphasis to the treatment and eradication of vector-borne diseases. This will help to make the treatment measures available to people of all levels, no matter what is their financial status and standard of living. But to prevent the occurrence of vector-borne diseases, it is more important to let the people know about the seriousness of the disease. This increases the significance of considering World Health Day 2014 as a day to make people alert and conscious of vector-borne diseases. Here, we may discuss some health care tips to prevent vector-borne diseases.

Environmental management

Give importance to environmental management programs to reduce or eliminate vector breeding. The most common strategies are projects for water resources management and waste disposal. Prevent vector growth and breeding in your surroundings.

Biological control

One of the most effective ways to control vector-borne diseases is to use biological control measures like bacterial larvicides and larvivorous fish associated with your water resources. This will be the safest method that will help in vector control.

Chemical methods

Chemicals are also used effectively to control vectors by interrupting the lifespan of vectors. Try using chemicals in a judicious way depending on the type of vectors. These are available in the form of residual sprays, space sprays, larvicides and adulticides.

Bed nets

Along with environmental management, it is important to be aware of the importance personal protection. Personal protective measures mainly include insecticide-treated nets and bed nets. This is important for the care of children as well.

Sanitation

The easiest thing that we can do for vector control is to keep your home and surrounding hygienic and healthy. Do vector check daily on your carpets, rugs, bed and cupboards. Take proper measures for waste disposal as well.

Insect repellents

Insect repellents are considered to be one of the most common methods for preventing vector-borne diseases. Insect repellents containing DEET, preferably more than 20 per cent will be the best choice.

Pet care

It will be fun playing with your pets and allowing them to roam anywhere and everywhere in your home. But, while considering vector-borne diseases control, it is important to keep them vaccinated, hygienic and healthy.

World Health Day

Let us hold hands and walk towards a healthy world. Be aware and spread the awareness of World Health Day theme 2014 ‘vector-borne diseases' and be a part of this World Health Day.