The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) will continue during the XI Plan with a total outlay of Rs 3190 crore with different programmes including introduction of two-drug combination (Dec+albendazole) in identified endemic districts to treat filariasis.

The total outlay includes assistance amounting to Rs 200 crore under Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) phase-II Project and World Bank assistance of Rs 1000 crore for malaria control and kala-azar elimination, according to an official release.

During the XI Plan period, the existing strategies for prevention and control of vector borne diseases approved under X Plan would be continued and further strengthened with special focus on surveillance strengthening including early detection and prompt treatment, human resource development, behaviour change communication, supervision and monitoring, quality assurance and quality control of diagnostics, drugs and operational research. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has already approved the continuation of the NVBDCP.

Directorate of NVBDCP will be the nodal agency for implementing the scheme and routing of funds will be done through State and district health societies under the umbrella of NRHM. For focused interventions, about 200 districts have been identified as high malaria endemic. Early diagnosis and treatment by introduction of rapid diagnostic kit (RDK), introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) and upscaling use of bed nets preferably long lasting insecticide treated nets (LLIN) will be part of the programme against malaria.

Introduction of two drug combination (DEC+Albendazole) in identified filaria endemic districts and hydrocele operations and lymphoedema management through home based hygiene method for relief to the patients will be done to treat lymphatic filariasis In the area of kala-azar, expansion of new tools like rapid diagnostic kit and oral drug miltefosine to increase the compliance of treatment due to quick diagnosis will be taken up. Free diet to patient and one attendant and incentive to patient at Rs 50 per day towards loss of wages during treatment is another step.

Strengthening of referral services and diagnostic facilities, apart from monitoring and surveillance activities, will be taken up to check Japanese encephalitis. Vaccination with single dose live attenuated SA-14-14-2 vaccine to children between 1-15 years of age under Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) will be carried out in a phased manner. Integration of Chikungunya (which has re-emerged after 30 years of quiescence) is being done in the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.