Friday, March 07, 2008

Health Watch-3: "Fish to be used to fight mosquitoes" by Shastry V.Mallady

The Tamil Nadu State health machinery has decided to deploy two fish varieties on the field in its onslaught against mosquitoes to prevent vector-borne diseases.

As per a plan chalked out by the Directorate of Public Health(DPH), permanent fish hatcheries would be created in the network of Primary Health Centres and health sub-centres where the two non-edible fish varieties would be reared and supplied to public places/residential buildings on demand.

“The fish varieties – Gambusia and Guppies – will be effective in checking the mosquito larva. The DPH through its nine zonal offices in the State would set up small hatcheries and also protect the existing natural hatcheries,” S.Elango, Addl Director of Public Health, told The Hindu.

To start with, the DPH expects to construct 1500 fish hatcheries in malaria-endemic districts and with a particular focus on 11 municipalities/urban areas.

Explaining the reasons for choosing fish as a medium, Dr Elango said that the two varieties are very active, low cost, eco-friendly and would swiftly eat away the larva of mosquitoes. The fish would be given in a sachet to the people and subsequently it could be grown, he said.

A fortnight campaign involving general public is now being undertaken (till March 15) by taking the support of elected representatives and local panchayats.

Excerpt from “The Hindu, Madurai, March 6, 2008
Grateful thanks to Mr.Shastry V.Mallady and The Hi
ndu

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