Vector control through environmental management with special reference to India--approach prospectives

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Vector Biology

Background:

• Societal concern over diverse pollutants (industrial, petrochemical, pesticide, nuclear) necessitates disease vector control.
• Environmental management is identified as an imperative strategy for effective vector control.
• Existing approaches include physical methods, indigenous techniques, inter-sectoral coordination, and community participation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of environmental management in controlling disease vectors.
• To describe various environmental management methods for vector control.
• To outline governmental roles in implementing these methods.

Main Methods:

• Focus on physical methods such as drainage and water management to reduce vector breeding habitats.
• Emphasis on source reduction and indigenous techniques for making water unsuitable for vectors.
• Integration of intra and inter-sectoral coordination and community-based activities.

Main Results:

• Source reduction and water management are identified as the simplest, cheapest, and most permanent methods for minimizing vector breeding.
• Environmental management is a promising approach for societies with varying habitation and facility levels.
• Successful demonstrations by MRC (ICMR) and VCRC indicate the suitability of this approach.

Conclusions:

• Environmental management is a vital and effective strategy for disease vector control.
• Implementation requires initiation at primary health center and district levels, with strong community motivation.
• Governmental agencies play a key role in supporting and implementing these environmental management methods.