Andhra Pradesh sets up task force to strengthen infectious disease control

The Andhra Pradesh government has set up a State-level task force to strengthen the prevention and control of infectious diseases across the State. The decision followed directives from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and was announced by Health and Family Welfare Minister Satyakumar Yadav.

The newly constituted task force, chaired by Health and Family Welfare Commissioner Veerapandian, comprises 24 members, including national medical experts and senior officials from the Veterinary, Panchayati Raj, Municipal Administration, and Agriculture departments. The panel has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive strategy to tackle diseases such as dengue, malaria, diarrhoea, tuberculosis, leprosy, and other infections.

Its plan will prioritise proactive preventive measures, rapid response mechanisms to handle sudden outbreaks, hospital preparedness, and coordination among departments. The task force will also oversee the implementation of Central government guidelines and the formation of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs). It will meet once every three months to review disease trends, evaluate ongoing control efforts, and recommend corrective actions.

Prominent members include Dr. Himanshu Chauhan, Additional Director and Head of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), Central Surveillance Unit; Dr. George Varghese, Infectious Diseases Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore; Dr. Sumit Roy, Clinical Microbiology, AIIMS Mangalagiri; and Dr. Jude Joseph, Chest Centre, JMJC, Thrissur. Officials from secondary health care, Panchayati Raj, Municipal Administration, and Agriculture Departments, along with representatives of the Union Health Ministry and the World Health Organisation (WHO), are also part of the committee.

Mr. Yadav said the task force’s coordinated approach would ensure timely action, improve preparedness, and enhance the State’s overall capacity to prevent and control infectious disease outbreaks.