Following the successful containment of diarrhoeal outbreaks and receding floodwaters in five districts, the Odisha government has initiated a robust joint campaign by the Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) and Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water (PR&DW) departments to tackle water and vector-borne diseases.
A high-level meeting, chaired by Secretary H&FW Aswathy S., outlined a detailed action plan, with intensive disinfection drives scheduled for July 4 and 11, 2025.
The campaign targets villages and institutions, focusing on super chlorination of drinking water sources, cleaning health facilities, schools, markets, and public spaces. ASHA, ANM, and health workers will lead household-level awareness, demonstrating halazone tablet use, LLINs, handwashing, and hygiene practices. Food safety officers are tasked with stringent inspections of bottling plants and eateries, enforcing SOPs with penalties for non-compliance.
Chief District Medical and Public Health Officers will deploy 377 rapid response teams to flood-affected areas, ensuring anti-venom stocks and MBBS doctors for snake bite treatment. Enhanced laboratory surveillance, with increased sample testing and adherence to daily, weekly, and quarterly monitoring protocols, was emphasised. State-level officers will supervise field activities for effective implementation.
The diarrhoeal situation is under control, with only 190 active cases and 13 deaths reported. Dengue and malaria are also being closely monitored. Community involvement, including PRI members and activists, is central to the campaign’s success, fostering widespread awareness and preventive measures.
Director of Public Health Dr. Nilakantha Mishra highlighted the campaign’s focus on both immediate action and long-term prevention, ensuring Odisha remains vigilant against health threats post-floods.
