Tata Steel takes measures to check Dengue at Kalinganagar
Kalinganagar, Sep 22: A proactive intense campaign for prevention of dengue is going on in the Kalinganagar area by the steel major Tata Steel. It is being steered by the Jamshedpur Utility & Services Company (JUSCO) which has a wealth of experience of in managing public health amenities at Jamshedpur.
The focus of the control efforts which started from 15th May 2015, has been on larval source reduction, searching out mosquito breeding habitats and destroying them. With key focus of source reduction JUSCO adopted a comprehensive approach by way of regular vector surveillance and integrated management of the Aedes mosquitoes through biological and chemical control as well as action at departmental and zonal levels.
For larval surveys, which is systematically searched for water holding containers for the presence of mosquito larvae and pupae, complete area inside the plant was divided into three zones and fifteen sub zones. Separate teams were formed to perform scheduled weekly anti-larval activity with recommended dose of Temephos ((1 ml. per liter of water).
Fogging through the use of 1.25 ULVspray (deltamethalin), out/indoor space spraying with the timing of spray coinciding with biting time of the mosquitos, e.g., early morning or late afternoon is being carried out on a daily basis.
Besides, a Public Health Committee was formed to ensure source elimination of Dengue by covering all water tanks, emptying, drying water containers, coolers, within one week’s time. Checking for clogged gutters and introducing larvivorous fishes at perennial breeding points. Critical areas identified by committee were kept under close watch and special task force was introduced to carry on the desired tasks.
Personal protection measures by wearing protective clothing (full sleeved shirts & full pants during day time), distributing ODOMOS repellent cream among staff and workers have already been undertaken. Similarly, Departmental review meetings were used as a medium of sensitization of critical issues from time to time to increase the involvement for elimination of Aedes breeding and reduction/elimination of adult mosquitoes.
To attain the above objectives, massive, repetitive, intense and persistent Behavior Change Communication (BCC) campaign has been introduced. Every member working at Kalinganagar Project was assured that this is a preventable disease and empowered with the knowledge about mode of transmission, vector control options, availability of services in addition to correct treatment, so that timely and appropriate action is taken.
Special campaigns were carried out through mass media including local broadcast system, IEC Van. Health education materials were also developed and widely disseminated in the form of posters, pamphlets, handbills, hoardings both inside the plant and in the periphery villages. Inter-personal communications among the workmen were conducted through group meetings at various sites from time to time.