Answer: To strengthen and maintain a decentralized laboratory-based IT-enabled disease surveillance system
Notes: In the past year, 1,862 disease outbreaks were reported to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), with Kerala recording the highest number. The IDSP, launched in November 2004 with World Bank assistance, is a decentralized, state-based program by India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Its objectives include monitoring disease trends and responding to outbreaks through trained Rapid Response Teams (RRTs). The program integrates surveillance activities at central, state, and district levels, utilizes ICT for data management, and strengthens public health laboratories. Weekly data collection on epidemic-prone diseases helps identify trends, with RRTs investigating and controlling outbreaks as needed.
