By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : April 28, 2026 6:35 pm
Experts call for integrated, evidence-based approaches to tackle rising dengue, malaria, and chikungunya burden in Indian cities
A national technical conclave on advances in urban pest management and vector control concluded in Ahmedabad on April 28, 2026, bringing together senior public health leaders, government officials, armed forces medical specialists, and scientific institutions for two days of focused scientific exchange.
Organised by the Indian Society for Malaria and Other Communicable Diseases in collaboration with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and supported by Envu India, the conclave addressed the growing burden of dengue, malaria, and chikungunya in rapidly expanding urban environments, highlighting the need for systematic and evidence-based strategies.
Participants included representatives from national and state public health programmes, the Armed Forces Medical College, academic institutions, and international experts. Key discussions focused on urban epidemiology, AI-enabled surveillance tools such as ovitrap monitoring, and adoption of the World Health Organization-aligned Integrated Vector Management framework. Sessions also explored preparedness for vector-borne disease control during mass gatherings and innovations in public health insecticides.
Envu brought global insights from Malaysia’s Integrated Dengue Epidemiology and Management (iDEM) programme, reinforcing the importance of moving beyond traditional fogging practices. Research by the Centre for Science and Environment highlights that conventional thermal fogging in cities relies heavily on diesel, underscoring environmental and efficiency concerns. Experts emphasized the need to target mosquito breeding cycles through larval control for long-term impact.
Padma Shri Prof. Aditya Prasad Dash noted that vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of infectious diseases globally and highlighted India’s progress in reducing malaria, kala-azar, and dengue mortality. He stressed that achieving the country’s 2030 elimination targets will require stronger collaboration between government, academia, and industry.
Dr. Bhavin Solanki, Medical Officer of Health at AMC, underscored the importance of scientific partnerships and global knowledge exchange in strengthening urban public health outcomes.
M. Arun Kumar, Managing Director of Envu India, highlighted that Indian cities are at the centre of vector-borne disease risks and called for advancement in mosquito control practices through sustained collaboration.