Highlight the factors behind vector-borne disease increasingly becoming like epidemics in India. Suggest remedies for their control and management.

Vector borne diseases are those diseases which are spread by vectors like mosquitoes, e.g. malaria, dengue, etc.

Epidemic proportions of such diseases:

The incidence of vector-borne diseases have increased tremendously in recent years, with every metropolitan city facing an epidemic once in two years, e.g. Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, etc.

Factors responsible:

• Improper waste management and sanitation which provide breeding grounds for vectors.
• Urban slums and increase in population in urban areas have aggravated the problem.
• Lack of primary health centres and effective diagnostic or contributing to their emergence and spread.
• Costly medicines which increases the pocket expenditure of people. Thus people are reluctant to treat themselves.
• Lack of awareness and a comprehensive policy from the government side to deal with the issue.
• Climate change is one of the major reasons for the growth of vectors.

Remedial measures:

• Speed set up and construction of primary health clinics under Ayushmann Bharat.
• Proper sanitation and waste management in rural and urban areas under Swachh Bharat Mission.
• Generating awareness about vector-borne diseases through advertisements in newspapers, TV, etc.
• Target the epidemic areas first to get maximum benefit.

Vector-borne diseases are leading to widespread mortality and illness in India. Thus reforms are the need of the hour.