Manipur’s struggle against Dengue – A call for action and accountability

Manipur is now grappling with a serious dengue outbreak, as confirmed by statistics recently shared by state authorities. As of this month, 448 cases have been reported, resulting in one fatality. The numbers may seem small in comparison to national health crises, but the significance of this outbreak cannot be understated. The spread of dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection, exposes several critical issues—ineffective public health communication, inadequate governmental measures, and, most crucially, a worrying disconnect between the state and the community in dealing with health crises.
State Health Minister Sapam Ranjan Singh has voiced his concerns over the outbreak and reiterated the importance of public cooperation in controlling the disease. While his remarks acknowledge the gravity of the situation, they also reveal deeper problems in the state’s overall response to the epidemic. Two months ago, the minister had assured the public that the health department was taking adequate steps to curb the spread of dengue. Yet, the reality today reflects the inefficacy of those steps, especially given the significant rise in cases.
The government’s strategy so far seems to have relied heavily on mass awareness campaigns. Minister Singh himself stated that “mass awareness has been given to the state to each village,” but the fact that dengue cases continue to climb suggests that these efforts have not been adequately implemented or followed. The minister’s frustration was palpable when he noted that the continuing cases imply that the public has not adhered to precautionary measures. While it is true that public participation is essential in preventing the spread of dengue, such remarks seem to shift the blame to the people rather than addressing the systemic issues at play.
One cannot ignore the context within which this outbreak has occurred. The state recently experienced severe floods, which have created an environment ripe for mosquito breeding. Stagnant water, one of the primary breeding grounds for mosquitoes that transmit dengue, is widespread in flood-affected areas. The aftermath of the floods exacerbated the public health situation, yet the state appears to have been unprepared to handle the compounded crises of both natural disaster and health emergency. Despite warnings about the heightened risk of vector-borne diseases after the floods, the government’s response has been largely reactive rather than proactive.
The issue here is not just the spread of dengue, but the systemic failure in preventing it. Public health officials may have conducted awareness campaigns, but evidently, they failed to communicate the urgency of the situation or ensure that the necessary precautions were taken seriously. The blame, therefore, cannot solely be placed on the public. A more robust and multifaceted approach is required—one that includes better planning, clearer communication, and more stringent monitoring of disease-prone areas.
Furthermore, the state’s healthcare infrastructure is ill-equipped to deal with a full-scale dengue outbreak. Given that Manipur has already seen 448 cases this month, the strain on local hospitals and health services is only going to increase if the outbreak is not controlled immediately. The health department needs to not only focus on preventing new cases but also ensure that hospitals are adequately staffed and equipped to handle the influx of patients. Unfortunately, there has been no clear statement from the government regarding an increase in resources for dengue treatment, which only adds to the concerns about how seriously the state is taking this health emergency.
It is also worth pointing out that dengue is not a new problem in India, nor in Manipur. The World Health Organization (WHO) and India’s National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) have long outlined preventive measures to combat dengue. These include source reduction (elimination of mosquito breeding sites), environmental management, public education, and early detection of cases. However, the gap between policy and practice in Manipur has never been more glaring. The current outbreak shows that despite knowing what needs to be done, the state has not implemented these measures effectively.
For effective action, a collaborative approach involving local communities, health workers, and government agencies is essential. Citizens must be empowered with the knowledge and resources needed to participate actively in combating dengue. The state must prioritize long-term strategies that go beyond immediate awareness campaigns, integrating sustainable practices that foster a healthier environment. Only through accountability, transparency, and coordinated efforts can Manipur hope to overcome this public health challenge and safeguard its population against future outbreaks.