INTEGRATED DISEASE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

 

NEWS: A total of 1,862 disease outbreaks were reported to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme last year, with the highest number being reported from Kerala, the Lok Sabha was informed recently.

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)

Overview:

·         Nature: The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) is a decentralized, state-based initiative designed to strengthen disease surveillance across India.

·         Launch: It was initiated in November 2004 with assistance from the World Bank, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Objectives :

·         Primary Goal: The program aims to establish and maintain a decentralized, laboratory-based, IT-enabled surveillance system for monitoring epidemic-prone diseases.

·         Specific Goals:

o    To track disease trends.

o    To detect and respond to outbreaks during their early stages using trained Rapid Response Teams (RRTs).

Programme Components :

·         Surveillance Units: Establishment of surveillance units at the national, state, and district levels to integrate and decentralize surveillance activities.

·         Human Resource Development: Training of personnel, including State Surveillance Officers, District Surveillance Officers, RRTs, and other medical and paramedical staff, on the principles of disease surveillance.

·         Information Technology: Utilization of ICT for data collection, collation, analysis, and dissemination.

·         Laboratory Strengthening: Enhancing the capabilities of public health laboratories.

·         Inter-Sectoral Coordination: Collaboration with other sectors for managing zoonotic diseases.

Data Management :

·         Data Collection: Data on epidemic-prone diseases are gathered weekly, categorized into “S” (suspected cases), “P” (presumptive cases), and “L” (laboratory-confirmed cases). This data is reported by health workers, clinicians, and laboratory staff.

·         Reporting: Weekly disease outbreak reports are collected from States/UTs, including NIL reports if no cases are observed. These reports are compiled to provide insights into disease trends and seasonality.

·         Outbreak Response: If a rising trend in illness is detected, RRTs investigate to identify and control potential outbreaks.

·         Data Analysis: The collected data is analyzed at the state and district levels, with appropriate actions taken based on the findings.

 

Source : https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/over-1800-disease-outbreaks-reported-across-country-last-year-govt/112044440