USAID and Takeda Launch Dengue Prevention Campaign
USAID and Takeda launch dengue prevention campaign to help public safeguard from vector-borne diseases
Overview
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Takeda Biopharmaceuticals, the erstwhile Baxalta Bioscience India have launched a new campaign called ""Haarega Dengue Haraenge Hum (We Will Together Defeat Dengue).”
The Launch
The campaign was launched during the ‘Call to Action for Climate Sensitive Infectious Diseases: a Strategic Synergy Session’”, an event organized by CHRI under the USAID-supported Sustainable Action for Climate and Health (SACH) Initiative.
Campaign’s Focus
The focus is on educating school children and communities across Maharashtra, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh about how their actions can help prevent dengue.
It will also encourage people to adopt habits that can reduce the spread of vector-borne diseases.
On Vector-Borne Diseases
Due to the changing climate, specifically a rise in temperature and rainfall, vector-borne diseases are becoming more prevalent, adding additional stress to the already overwhelmed health systems from the recent pandemic.
The campaign will look deeper into how climate change affects the spread of infectious diseases and provide strategies to improve preparedness and build stronger and more responsive health systems in the country.
Statement from USAID
Warren Harrity, acting mission director, USAID, said, “We work to increase the resilience of the health systems by focusing on identifying shifts in climate-sensitive, vector-borne diseases through surveillance and early warning; strengthening health system capacity to prepare and respond to climate events; and supporting the development and implementation of climate-smart health policies.”
From the Embassy of Japan in India
Yamashita Yuta, first secretary (Health Attaché), Embassy of Japan in India, stated, “This collaboration for combating dengue represents a significant step in our shared commitment to global health and intensifies the Indo-Japan relationship.”
“Dengue has emerged as a critical threat to public health globally due to the emerged climatic unpredictability, and requires immediate addressal at local and international levels. Through our collective expertise and resources, we can make substantial progress in disease prevention and control, setting an example for international cooperation in healthcare.”
From Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India
Annapurna Das, general manager, Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India, noted that collective action is required from all sectors to accelerate efforts in the area of climate change to protect our communities from the impact of vector-borne diseases.
Protecting the climate is aligned with our purpose of bringing Better Health and a Brighter Future for all.
We are committed to this cause and will continue working with multiple stakeholders including the government, NGOs, industry, academia and healthcare providers to support the vision of Dengue Mukt Bharat.”
Words from CEO: CHRI
Neeraj Jain, chief executive officer, Centre for Health Research and Innovation (CHRI), said, “As 2024 is promoted as the ‘Year of Climate and Health Action,’ this partnership emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to fight climate-sensitive, infectious diseases."