Photo diary: A closer look at dengue prevention in India

Dengue presents a significant public health challenge in India, with an estimated 33 million cases—one third of the total global dengue burden—occurring in India every year.

It is the fastest-growing infectious disease globally, including in India, where increasing numbers of dengue cases are being reported in urban and rural settings across the country. This threat could be further exacerbated by rising temperatures attributed to climate change, which increase the likelihood of dengue spreading to new geographies and intensifying in areas where it’s already present.

In India, state efforts are currently focused on controlling and preventing dengue. Since 2020, PATH and the Centre for Health Research and Innovation (CHRI) have provided technical assistance to state governments of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra in dengue control and prevention and malaria elimination through technical support units based in the cities of Lucknow and Pune.

These units assist the state governments in managing outbreaks, strengthening disease surveillance, monitoring and assessing activities, and building staff capacity in several technical areas.

When it comes to outbreak management and active disease surveillance, having a strong presence within the communities where dengue is present is invaluable—technical support teams truly drive the most impactful and effective responses to health challenges. Whether through identifying potential dengue-transmitting mosquito breeding grounds, going door-to-door to sensitize communities on dengue prevention strategies, or monitoring the effectiveness of these strategies and activities, the PATH-CHRI team works closely with health workers to help ensure effective dengue prevention.

For more than four years, PATH-CHRI teams have consistently engaged in these critical activities, showcasing a sustained commitment to preventing dengue outbreaks across various regions in India. By working closely with local communities and health workers, PATH-CHRI is not only helping to prevent the spread of dengue, but also building resilience against future outbreaks. The combined efforts of surveillance, education, and vector control are key to reducing the burden of this rapidly growing infectious disease.

Take a look into the day-to-day work by the PATH-CHRI team across Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra:

A visit to a home in Mohalla Shajamal, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, reveals stagnant water at the bottom of an urban water storage container—a perfect breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Cleaning, regular inspection, and tightly covering water storage units are critical practices to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the risk of dengue outbreaks. During these on-site visits, PATH teams identify these risks and provide guidance on effective prevention strategies. The photo captures the still water in the container, underscoring the need for vigilance.

PATH teams inspect a site in Mohalla Shajamal, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, discovering stagnant water covered in algae and debris. This environment is highly conducive to the breeding of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary vector of dengue. Identifying and addressing such hazards is a key step in preventing the spread of the disease.

Health workers receive guidance from PATH staff during monitoring activities in the urban area of District Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh. PATH staff assess the implementation of dengue prevention programs, providing guidance and support to health workers, ensuring health workers are well-prepared to combat the spread of dengue in their communities.

Accredited Social Health Activist workers are at the forefront of community health, ensuring source reduction activities are carried out effectively. Their efforts in eliminating breeding sites for mosquitoes are crucial in reducing the incidence of diseases like dengue and malaria.

A health worker in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh traps mosquitoes, enabling the assessment of local mosquito populations and other essential data that inform targeted vector control measures. This scientific approach helps ensure that interventions are effective in curbing the spread of dengue.

Health workers inspect mosquito breeding sites in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. State teams conduct thorough inspections of common breeding sites, such as water coolers, to identify and eliminate potential health hazards. Their efforts play a critical role in preventing the spread of dengue.

State teams engage with community members in Firozabad District, Uttar Pradesh. They monitor and record the effectiveness of source reduction activities to gather insights, helping refine and enhance ongoing dengue prevention efforts.

Gambusia fish are released into a pond to control mosquito larvae by feeding on them, while fogging is conducted to target adult mosquitoes. This combined approach, documented in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, and Mishrouli, Block Bankata, Deoria District, significantly reduces both larval and adult mosquito populations, lowering the risk of dengue transmission. These photos highlight both the release of fish and the fogging activities, illustrating a comprehensive approach to vector control.

Community members remove stagnant water in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh. Community-driven efforts to remove or treat stagnant water sources are crucial in preventing mosquito larvae from breeding. By taking this proactive measure, communities significantly reduce the risk of dengue and protect public health.