National strategy on Congo virus developed

Officials call for inter-sectoral coordination mechanism

ISLAMABAD: After a recent surge in cases, the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) have decided to develop a strategy to curtail the spread of the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF).

The CCHF, generally known as Congo Fever is a zoonotic disease and is transmitted by ticks who bite infected hosts. The disease has a much debilitating effect, and if left unattended, it could result in an epidemic.

Cases of CCHF are usually reported from March to May and from August to October. Moreover, there is an increased risk of Congo virus transmission during Eidul Azha when the risk of exposure to infected animals increases exponentially due to the massive movement of animals throughout the country.

Tuesday’s meeting between officials of the NIH and IPC started with an overview of the virus in the country. NIH officials said that from 1976 to 2017, around 738 cases of Congo fever had been reported in the country, leading to 159 deaths.



During the meeting, representatives from the federal and provincial health and livestock departments deliberated on the situation and presented their recommendations for prevention and control of the disease.

NIH Executive Director Dr Mukhtar Ahmad remarked that without putting effective surveillance systems in place with associated community participation, the public health system can not work efficiently in preventing and controlling the disease.

“There is a need to establish an effective inter-sectoral coordination mechanism among the relevant stakeholders, especially public health, animal health and environment while adopting a one-health approach,” Dr Ahmad said.

He added that the NIH had been extending support to provinces to enhance their diagnostic capacities apart from offering free testing facilities for the Congo virus. Moreover, efforts were being made to establish a real-time, Integrated, disease surveillance and response system (IDSR) in collaboration with technical partners.

After detailed discussions, the participants developed a comprehensive strategy to tackle the virus. They designed a contingency plan, identifying the roles and responsibilities of the concerned health authorities and departments.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 12^th, 2017.