Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)
Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) is a viral infection that predominantly affects children. Uttar Pradesh reported a total of 2,871 cases of AES in 2019, out of which 83% (2,389 cases) were from districts in the Gorakhpur region. The regional ecosystem in Gorakhpur comprises rivers, lakes, irrigation canals, reservoirs and rice fields and the flood-prone region is endemic for AES.
The Tata Trusts’ initiative to combat AES, named Project Prayaas, aims to effectively prevent and control the spread of AES in this region. The intervention is focused on the two most vulnerable blocks in the district, and covers a population of over 200,000 people. An estimated 20,000 children will undergo tracking for fever or any kind of symptom.
Project Prayaas which covers water and sanitation along with healthcare, performs the following health-specific interventions in this region:
- Track children (0-5 years) to ensure 100% coverage of Japanese Encephalitis immunisation.
- Deploy well-equipped mobile medical units to strengthen the primary healthcare delivery system.
- Manage childhood illness by early identification, and prompt referral of AES cases, so as to prevent potential complications.
- Collaborate with the district National Vector Borne Diseases Control Project (NVBDCP) department and Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, to execute vector control strategies.
- Execute community-based communication strategies to prevent AES
Areas of Operation: Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
