At the inaugural of three-day international conference titled ‘Reverse the challenge: Vector borne, emerging infectious and non-communicable disease’ on Friday, research scientist D Deobagkar said young generation should be roped in for the awareness campaign.
“We want that we are safe (from the diseases) and our surroundings are clean…. But we should clean other places also because we are among different people visiting several areas. The young, in general, should be sensitized and infused with a sense of belonging,” he said addressing about 150 delegates from different countries. Citing a success initiative in 2009 about how the dengue disease was reduced from 67 percent to 27 percent within six months in Goa, Deobagkar, also former vice chancellor of Goa University, reiterated that the young generation should be involved in the awareness campaign. “Without talking about it, we involved young generation to create awareness on prevention which is how the number of cases reduced significantly. It was the contribution of people at large…” he said.
Other panelists highlighted the need to help the local authorities as well in controlling the vector-borne diseases. They also expressed concern over emergence of other virus ailments, urging the community to adopt preventive measures through awareness campaigns.
