Periodic sewage surveillance, planned environment surveillance are among the initiatives that are being undertaken during the religious extravaganza
As millions take a holy dip in the river to celebrate an occasion that only comes once every 144 years, health authorities are working overnight to ensure that diseases do not become the price India pays for religious fervour.
This also includes heightened surveillance for polio, disease that India officially saw the last of in 2011 but remains at risk of reintroduction thanks to the fact that two countries in the region – Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to see polio cases. The World Health Organisation is assisting the central and state governments in this endeavour. Sewage samples are being regularly collected to check for presence of the polio virus while environmental surveillance is going on at Gaughat and Ghaghar Nala in Prayagraj.
Ensuring the safety of millions of pilgrims requires planning, preparedness, and unwavering commitment
“Protecting public health at such a massive gathering is no small feat. Ensuring the safety of millions of pilgrims requires planning, preparedness, and unwavering commitment. Identified health conditions are reported to the IDSP-IHIP module daily from health facilities at the Maha Kumbh Mela, and WHO-NPSN teams are supporting the state in the surveillance of polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases. From supporting disease surveillance to vaccination and emergency response, WHO is committed to all efforts to safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of diseases,” says Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India.
Apart from the surveillance that is going on unobtrusively, there is provision at the mela site for 24/7 health services including a 100-bed hospital. There is also a labour room within the perimeter of the fair. Doctors, nurses and paramedical staff are posted on a rotational basis to ensure services continue at all hours.
