Context:
A total of 1,862 disease outbreaks were reported to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme last year, with the highest number being reported from Kerala, the Lok Sabha was informed recently.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
Overview
- Nature: The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) is a decentralized, state-based initiative designed to strengthen disease surveillance across India.
- Launch: It was initiated in November 2004 with assistance from the World Bank, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
Objectives
- Primary Goal: The program aims to establish and maintain a decentralized, laboratory-based, IT-enabled surveillance system for monitoring epidemic-prone diseases.
- Specific Goals:
- To track disease trends.
- To detect and respond to outbreaks during their early stages using trained Rapid Response Teams (RRTs).
Programme Components
- Surveillance Units: Establishment of surveillance units at the national, state, and district levels to integrate and decentralize surveillance activities.
- Human Resource Development: Training of personnel, including State Surveillance Officers, District Surveillance Officers, RRTs, and other medical and paramedical staff, on the principles of disease surveillance.
- Information Technology: Utilization of ICT for data collection, collation, analysis, and dissemination.
- Laboratory Strengthening: Enhancing the capabilities of public health laboratories.
- Inter-Sectoral Coordination: Collaboration with other sectors for managing zoonotic diseases.
Data Management
- Data Collection: Data on epidemic-prone diseases are gathered weekly, categorized into “S” (suspected cases), “P” (presumptive cases), and “L” (laboratory-confirmed cases). This data is reported by health workers, clinicians, and laboratory staff.
- Reporting: Weekly disease outbreak reports are collected from States/UTs, including NIL reports if no cases are observed. These reports are compiled to provide insights into disease trends and seasonality.
- Outbreak Response: If a rising trend in illness is detected, RRTs investigate to identify and control potential outbreaks.
- Data Analysis: The collected data is analyzed at the state and district levels, with appropriate actions taken based on the findings.
-Source: Indian Express
