Uttar Pradesh Intensifies Fight Against Seasonal Diseases with Dastak Campaign Launch
In a significant move to bolster public health, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak inaugurated the month-long Dastak campaign at Lucknow's Balrampur Hospital on Wednesday. Emphasizing the critical need for community involvement, Pathak declared that public contribution is essential to keep infectious diseases at bay across the state.
Government and Community Unite Against Dengue and Malaria
The government is ramping up efforts to curb dengue, malaria, and other seasonal infections through coordinated action and active community participation, stated the Deputy CM. Together, we will strike against dengue and malaria, he affirmed, highlighting the campaign's collaborative spirit.
Additional Chief Secretary of Health, Amit Ghosh, detailed the operational framework, revealing that 13 departments will work in convergence mode to eliminate causes of seasonal infections. This integrated approach focuses on prevention, awareness, and systematic elimination of disease vectors.
Expansion and Success of the Dastak Initiative
Deputy CM Pathak noted the remarkable growth of the Dastak campaign since its inception. Starting in just seven districts in 2018, the initiative has now expanded to all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh, following its demonstrated success in reducing disease incidence.
Pathak praised the grassroots workers, stating that ASHA and Anganwadi staff are the backbone of the campaign. He explained, They reach over four crore households three times a year, spreading awareness on disease prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and hygiene.
Comprehensive Activities and Improved Health Indicators
The Dastak campaign encompasses a wide range of activities designed to protect public health:
- Sensitization meetings to educate communities
- Special protection measures for pregnant women
- Promotion of safe drinking water practices
- Implementation of anti-mosquito measures
Citing improved health indicators, Pathak revealed significant declines in encephalitis cases. Encephalitis cases dropped from 4,724 in 2017 to 694 in 2025, while Japanese encephalitis cases decreased from 693 to 63 during the same period.
Enhanced Detection and Community Mobilization
To strengthen detection capabilities for dengue and chikungunya, 89 laboratories are now operational across all districts, including 86 sentinel labs and three apex facilities. This network ensures timely diagnosis and response.
As part of the campaign rollout, Deputy CM Pathak flagged off an awareness rally, publicity vehicles, and fogging machines. He urged citizens to prevent waterlogging and maintain cleanliness to check mosquito breeding, advising people to avoid stagnant water in coolers, tires, utensils, and other containers.
Call for Collective Responsibility and Sustained Efforts
Pathak called for collective responsibility, emphasizing that the campaign must evolve into a mass movement to sustain gains made in controlling vector-borne diseases. He stressed that long-term success depends on continuous public engagement and adherence to preventive practices.
The Dastak campaign represents a comprehensive public health strategy combining government action, departmental coordination, and essential community participation to combat seasonal diseases effectively across Uttar Pradesh.
