The government today said the outbreak of Dengue and Chikungynya are the major public health challenge and they are being addressed by state governments with necessary support by the Centre.

Making a statement in response to a Calling Attention Motion in the Lok Sabha, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said a total of over 35 thousand cases have been reported till 15th of November 2012. He said 216 people have died of the vector borne disease this year.

Referring to Chikungunya, the Minister said the total number of suspected cases is over 14 thousand and is on its decline. Mr Azad assured the House that the Centre will continue to provide technical and financial assistance for preventing the outbreak of the diseases.

The Health Minister said that he had reviewed the situation with the state health ministers and senior officials recently in various parts of the country. He said states and local bodies were asked to take effective action for eliminating the mosquito breeding.