The government’s efforts to check the spread of encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis, which include a vaccination drive started in 2006, have not shown the desired results.
The Centre has disclosed that not only have the cases gone up in the last few years, epidemiological data shows that many adults are also being affected by Japanese encephalitis (JE).
To halt the spread of JE, the government is focussing on intensifying the vaccination drive, particularly in the endemic regions.
The vaccination drive, with an emphasis on adult vaccination is being given a push, since Assam has reported a drop in the number of cases of JE.
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda recently informed the Lok Sabha that the cases of morbidity and mortality, particular due to JE, have been observed in adults in Assam and recently in North Bengal districts.
The steps being taken to check the spread of encephalitis notwithstanding, the number of cases has shown an increase since 2010.
The Centre has asked the States to utilise the funds allocated for JE vaccination and Encephalitis control.
Of the five most affected States, only Tamil Nadu has spent over 49 per cent of the funds, of the Rs. 12.66 crore given to Assam only 10 per cent has been utilised, in Bihar, only 0.95 per cent has been utilised, while West Bengal has utilised only 0.06 per cent. Uttar Pradesh is yet to furnish details of the funds spent.
