(a) the details of infectious diseases identified in the country and the major causes of their occurrence;and

(b) the steps taken by the Government for the treatment/prevention of these diseases?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI)

(a) Major infectious diseases identified in the country are: Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Kala-azar, Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, Influenza A H1N1, Acute Diarrhoeal Diseases and Cholera. Infectious diseases are caused mainly by pathogenic micro-organisms, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites.

(b) For the treatment & prevention of these diseases, following steps have been taken by the Government:

(i) National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) has been launched for providing integrated comprehensive Primary Healthcare Services, especially to the poor and vulnerable sections of the Society. It also provides an overarching umbrella for various disease prevention and control programmes.

(ii) For vector-borne diseases, namely Malaria, Kala-azar, Dengue, Chikungunya and Japanese Encephalitis, Government of India has a National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme in place. The main components of the programme strategy are: integrated vector control, early case detection and complete treatment, and behavior change communication. In addition, for prevention of Japanese Encephalitis, vaccination of children is also undertaken.

(iii) For Tuberculosis, Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) widely known as Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) in the entire country. Under the programme, diagnosis and treatment facilities including supply of anti TB drugs are provided free of cost to all TB patients.

(iv) In order to control the spread of HIV/AIDS, Government of India is implementing the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP). The programme has adopted a four-pronged strategy: (a) prevention of new infections in high risk groups and general population; (b) providing greater care, support and treatment to larger number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA); (c) strengthening the infrastructure, systems and human resources in prevention, care, support and treatment programmes at the district, state and national level; and (d) strengthening the nationwide Strategic Information Management System.

(v) For Influenza A H1N1, Government has taken necessary steps for surveillance, detection and treatment of patients alongwith necessary Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities for creating public awareness.

(vi) For controlling diahorreal diseases and cholera, the provision of safe drinking water and general hygiene is the key for prevention. Respective State Governments work towards spreading awareness for maintaining general hygiene & cleanliness and providing safe drinking water to general population. Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission has been launched by Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India to provide safe drinking water.

(vii) At the national level, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) coordinates laboratory support for outbreak investigations and etiological diagnosis. It also conducts regular training courses for development of trained manpower. It has also helped develop guidelines for prevention and control of vector-borne and infectious diseases for guidance of all concerned.