AIDA adopts villages in Peren to eradicate malaria

DIMAPUR — ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA), the development wing of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Dimapur Province, North East India, has adopted two villages in Peren district namely Beisumpuikam and Jalukie Zangdi to eradicate malaria and vector-borne diseases.

In this regard, AIDA, in collaboration with the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NCVBDCP), Peren, organised an awareness programme on malaria elimination and eradication at Beisumpuikam village council hall on Saturday. It highlighted the commitment of both AIDA and NCVBDCP to ensure the villages remain malaria-free.

An update from AIDA stated that it would focus on promoting healthy living, disease prevention and environmental hygiene to create a healthier and more sustainable future for Peren district.

During the programme, the special guest and keynote speaker, Dr. Hedungkiebe, district vector borne diseases control officer (DVBO), Peren, emphasised the importance of health awareness, personal responsibility and disciplined habits in preventing and eliminating diseases. He highlighted that those initial steps are crucial for the programme’s effectiveness and sustainability.

He expressed gratitude to AIDA for selecting Beisumpuikam and Jalukie Zangdi villages with a goal to eliminate and eradicate malaria by 2026.

Speaking on the occasion, Rev. Fr. Roy George SDB, executive director of AIDA, stressed on the villagers’ primary role in owning and sustaining the programme’s activities. While pointing out that the programme is time-bound and resources are limited, he underscored the importance of villagers’ active participation to ensure success of the programme.

He assured that AIDA and NCVBDCP would support the villagers by addressing gaps and challenges.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Beisumpuikam village council expressed gratitude to AIDA Dimapur and NCVBDCP, Peren, for selecting their villages for the programme.

In his vote of thanks, Lanthou Mark Gonmei, AIDA programme manager, called for collaboration and cooperation between the implementing organisations and the villages to achieve positive and lasting impact.

Report stated that the event witnessed enthusiastic participation of 63 leaders and villagers from Beisumpuikam and Jalukie Zangdi villages.

As part of the programme, a total of 26 villagers from Beisumpuikam villages were screened for malaria by the NCVBDCP team.