Staff Reporter
Dimapur, February 15
In the whole of South East Asia, 70% Malaria cases are detected in India and 69% deaths are also from India. This was pointed out by Commissioner & Secretary for Health & Family Welfare, M Patton today at the official launch of the Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) at the District Hospital of Dimapur.
The health official said that because malaria is a menace in India, the Government of India has a target to eradicate Malaria by the year 2030. He said by 2024 Malaria should be in one in one thousand people, which is a big challenge.
Referring to a number of diseases which are of concern, including the latest Zika virus, M Patton said earlier Malaria was prevalent only in the foothills areas, but now it has become a social threat with not only on economic concern but it has impact on the economy and affected all walks of life.
This he said is a huge challenge and unless a determined effort is given by all, the target will not be achieved.
Stating that India has not been affected by Zika virus so far, however he expressed concern that if a country like India is affected by Zika, it would degenerate the human race. Patton on the day expressed gratitude to Government of India for supporting Nagaland and said 9 lakh beneficiaries in all districts of the state would be distributed with LLIN.
With the department of Health & Family Welfare done with the mapping of mosquito affected areas, M Patton said the LLIN’s would be distributed to the malaria prone areas and villages to bring down the incidents of Malaria. He requested all the department officers, community leaders, local bodies and general public to participate in the efforts to contain mosquito menace.
The chief guest also handed the 1st LLIN to a beneficiary during the programme and officially declared the LLIN distribution.
Joint director & state programme officer, national vector borne disease control programme (NVBDCP), Dr. Kevichusa Medikhree delivering the key note address highlighted on the objectives of LLIN, criteria for selection, monitoring and supervision, district wise LLIN’s requirements.
He informed that distribution of LLIN’s would be properly monitored and supervised by the state and district level officers/ consultants as per the guidelines.
Dr. Medikhree also explained that the main objective of the distribution of LLIN is to reach out to pregnant mothers, children, hostellers and the vulnerable section of society. He also informed that LLINs are to be distributed free of cost before the onset of monsoon in the eligible villages and high risk groups through ASHA’s. Out of nine lakh LLINs 2.5 lakh will be distributed in Dimapur, he informed.
Citizens’ Factfile: Know the Zika
Zika fever (also known as Zika virus disease) is an illness caused by the Zika virus. Most cases have no symptoms, but when present are usually mild and can resemble dengue fever. Symptoms generally last less than seven days. Symptoms may include fever, red eyes, joint pain, headache, and a maculopapular rash. It has not caused any reported deaths during the initial infection. Infection has been linked to Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS).
Zika fever is mainly spread via the bite of mosquitoes of the Aedes type. It can also be potentially spread by sex and blood transfusions. The disease may spread from mother-to-child in the womb and cause microcephaly. Diagnosis is by testing the blood, urine, or saliva for the virus’s RNA when the person is sick.
Prevention involves decreasing mosquitoes bites in areas where the disease occurs. Efforts include the use of insect repellent, covering much of the body with clothing, mosquito nets, and getting rid of standing water where mosquitoes reproduce. There is no effective vaccine as yet. (Source: Wikipedia)
