Centre sanctions Rs 98.7 lakh for Japanese programme

Chennai, Sep 22: The Centre has sanctioned a sum of Rs 98.7 lakhs for the implementation of Japanese Encephalitis programme in the districts of Madurai, Tiruchirapalli and Tiruvar districts of Tamil Nadu during 2008-09.

An official release here today said the control programme would benefit about 22.2 lakh children in the three endemic districts.

The vector-borne disease hits mostly children below the age of 15 years, and if the treatment was delayed, it would even lead to death.

The programme was conducted last year in Villupuram, Cuddalore, Virudhunagar and Perambalur districts last year, convering 18.6 lakh children.

During 2009-10, the programme would be conducted in the endemic districts of Thiruvannamalai, Tirunelveli and Tuticorin, the release added.

UNI