Beginning of a New Era of Vector-Bashing Activities in the City of Kolkata, India

Abstract

During 2010-2014, establishing a Mosquito Research Laboratory apart, the health department of Kolkata Municipal Corporation has undertook several exemplary initiatives to invigorate vector control activities for prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases in the city of Kolkata. Some of the efforts are: formation of rapid action teams, larvicidal spray in canals by using rowing-boats as transport, use of speedboat-generated waves in controlling larval population of Culex mosquito, assignment of vector control responsibilities to non-medicos, measurement of larval densities of both malaria and dengue vectors in all high-risk wards of KMC by consultant entomologists on a monthly basis, introduction of a three-tier system for crosschecking vector control activities in fields, perennial drive for detection and destruction of mosquito larvae; mass awareness campaign by screening of a documentary film, distribution of multilingual leaflets, placement of huge number of colourful hoardings and banners and ward-level awareness meetings involving councillors. And all this has been feasible just for one streetsmart and hardworking political leader of Kolkata named, Mr Atin Ghosh, mayoral council member in charge of health of KMC.