By Amika

Dengue cases are rising in Pimpri-Chinchwad which has forced the local civic body to take initiative to tackle the emerging situation.

In a latest effort, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has launched a new campaign named "BEAT Dengue" aimed at eradicating dengue cases in the city. 

The initiative was announced in a Medical Department stakeholder meeting recently and involves a continuous week-long series of activities to raise awareness and prevent dengue outbreaks, the civic administration said in a press release on Monday.

The "BEAT Dengue" campaign emphasizes four key actions: Be Responsible, Educate Yourself and others, Alert PCMC Sarathi, and Throw away Stagnant Water.

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh highlighting the importance of community participation in the campaign, said, "Our goal is to reduce dengue cases through a sustained and collaborative effort significantly. The 'BEAT Dengue' campaign leverages community participation and interdepartmental coordination to ensure every corner of our city is safe from dengue."

Throughout the week, various activities will be conducted across different sectors. Government and private hospitals will participate in checking for breeding sites, distributing pamphlets, and attending meetings for guideline dissemination. Government and private offices will also be involved in breeding site checks, awareness lectures, and pamphlet distribution. Schools will play dengue awareness videos or audio clips during prayer time, conduct breeding site checks, and host various activities like poster competitions, lectures, and rallies.

Social and electronic media campaigns will be spearheaded by the Health Department's IEC Teams, with celebrity endorsements and social media lectures to further the campaign's reach. Community awareness activities will be led by MAS, ASHA, and ANM, involving Ganesh Pandals, NGOs, and senior citizen forums. Malls, theatres, and gardens will screen dengue awareness videos, distribute pamphlets, and host street plays.

A dedicated campaign called "1 Week-1 Day-1 Hour" will focus on social media efforts to destroy breeding places around homes.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Laxman Gophane emphasized the necessity of eliminating breeding sites, said, "By actively participating in the 'BEAT Dengue' campaign, citizens can play a critical role in removing stagnant water and preventing the spread of dengue. Together, we can protect our families and communities."

The campaign will be monitored through an NVBDCP (National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme) Tracking Dashboard, and a special budget has been allocated for IEC materials. The IT Department will assist in developing a dengue monitoring dashboard to track the progress of the campaign.

PCMC urges all residents to participate actively in the "BEAT Dengue" campaign and contribute to making Pimpri-Chinchwad a dengue-free city, the press release added.