The number of cases of dengue and kala-azar has come down marginally during the last some years as the government had initiated several steps to contain the two diseases under the National Health Policy. The policy has set goals of achieving reduction of mortality on account of dengue and malaria by 50 per cent by the year 2010 and elimination of kala-azar by the same year.

However, these diseases are seasonal and fluctuations are observed in different geographical areas. In case of dengue, the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) has been brought down from 1.7 per cent in 2002 to 0.6 per cent in 2009 and 0.3 per cent in 2010 (till 26th July) including Andhra Pradesh where CFR has come down to 0 per cent in 2010 from 4.9 per cent in 2002, official sources said.

In 2006, the deaths due to dengue reported were 1707 which has been reduced to 1144 in 2009. In Andhra Pradesh, the reported deaths due to malaria are ranging between 1 to 3 (3 in 2003, 2 in 2004, 2 in 2007 and 3 in 2009 whereas in remaining years since 2003, the deaths reported were zero).

Kala-azar is endemic in four states namely Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. The number of deaths reported due to kala-azar has shown declining trend i.e. 203 in 2007 to 93 in 2009. State of Andhra Pradesh is not endemic for kala-azar, sources said.

For prevention, treatment and control of vector-borne diseases including Dengue, Malaria and Kala-azar in the country, the government is implementing National Vector Borne Disease Control Programame (NVBDCP) under the overarching umbrella of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). The main components of the strategy for NVBDCP are integrated vector control, early case detection & complete treatment, and behaviour change communication.

The Centre allocated Rs 399.50 crore under the project during 2007-08 and spent Rs 385.38 crore. The allocation was increased to Rs 472.25 crore during 2008-09, but only Rs 297.09 could be spent. Likewise, Rs 338.87 crore was spent during 2009-10 against the allocation of Rs 442 crore.

The Centre provides technical support and also supplements the States by providing funds and commodities as per their annual requirements approved under NRHM. However, the programme is primarily being implemented through the State Governments.