“Vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever, chickungunea, malaria along with leptospirosis are becoming major health concerns in the state. Occasional outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, hepatitis and enteric fever are also a threat to the state.

“Many new emerging diseases and preparedness for managing these diseases are also a challenge owing to the better global connection of the state. In addition to the communicable diseases burden high prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, cancers, mental health issues and the increasing incidents of elderly people falling prey to accidents make the health situation in the state very complex,” he added.

“The issues of waterborne and vector-borne diseases are directly linked to the social factors of water supply and sanitation facilities, including that of the solid waste management. Urbanisation, high density of population, lifestyle changes and the climate change also contribute to the resurgence of communicable disease.

“Convergence of activities of various departments and inter sectoral coordination are very important for solving the issue of solid waste management which is directly linked with the communicable disease scenario,” the Chief Minister said.

Health Minister V S Sivakumar presided over the function. Ministers M K Muneer and P J Joseph, Planning Board member G Vijayaraghavan, Director of Health Services P K Jameela, among others, spoke. The symposium was organised to seek solutions for the challenges faced by the state in the health sector.