Date:22/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/22/stories/2006072207390500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Proper strategy to tackle chikungunya stressed

Staff Reporter

Hyderabad: Director of Medical and Health P. Venkateshwar Rao has underscored the need to develop effective communication strategies to bring awareness among poorer sections of the society on the preventive measures of chikungunya.

At a meeting organised by the Satyam Foundation, Mediating Medicare and Confederation of Voluntary Associations on Thursday, he said though the occurrence of chikungunya was receding, awareness was needed to control its spread in hitherto unaffected areas.

Dr. Rao said Government departments would support the initiatives from non-Government organisations including the publication of a comprehensive brochure to enlighten the public.

He welcomed the move to start a round-the-clock call centre backed by a team of doctors in the twin cities.

Others present at the meeting included A. P. Ranga Rao of Balaji of Satyam Foundation, K. Lalitha of Mediating Medicare, Ali Asgar of Roshan Vikas and G.V. Ramana Rao of EMRI.