Centre directs States and UTs to enhance Ebola surveillance and preparedness
Following the WHO's declaration of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the Indian Centre has instructed all States and Union Territories to strengthen surveillance, hospital preparedness, and rapid response systems. Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the need for adequate preparedness due to growing international trade and travel, despite the low current risk to India. States are asked to intensify surveillance under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), identify isolation facilities, ensure trained personnel and PPE, and reinforce infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings.
Key Points
- The Centre has directed all States and UTs to strengthen Ebola surveillance and preparedness.
- This directive follows the WHO's declaration of an Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
- States are advised to intensify surveillance under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) for individuals with recent travel history to affected regions.
- Key measures include identifying isolation facilities, ensuring trained healthcare personnel, PPE availability, and robust infection prevention practices.
- The Indian Council of Medical Research's National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, is equipped for testing suspected Ebola samples.
Exam Facts
- WHO declared Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
- Union Health Secretary: Punya Salila Srivastava.
- Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
- National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.