Dimapur, April 25 (EMN): To accomplish the target set by India to eliminate malaria by 2030, various districts across Nagaland observed the ‘World Malaria Day’ on April 25 by organising programmes with an effort to prevent and reduce malaria cases on the theme ‘Reaching zero malaria target.’
Zunheboto: Zunheboto district observed the ‘World Malaria Day’ in the office of the chief medical officer (CMO) with the EAC of Zunheboto headquarters, Orenthung, as the speaker.
An update from the CMO’s office stated that Orenthung has shared the need to focus on the vector surveillance activities and follow-up action to prevent the spread of malaria. Besides encouraging proper management of sanitation and clean hygiene, he motivated the participants for more community participation to control the spread of malaria.
Delivering the keynote address, NVBDCP consultant Mudosayi Huire highlighted how malaria is spread and encouraged community participation for creating awareness. He also shared about the preventive measures and services available to the participants. He also emphasised on the need to keep surrounding areas clean in order to reduce mosquito breeding and prevent the spread of malaria.
It stated that short speeches were also delivered by Dr. Aron, DTO- RNTCP; Kakugha Jimo, vice president of Zunheboto Area Public Organisation (ZAPO); and Katoi Jimo, vice chairman of Town GBs.
It further stated IEC materials were distributed besides putting up posters and banners in the town.
Longleng: Longleng unit of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) commemorated the World Malaria Day at Mongtikang village council hall on April 25.
An update from the office of the chief medical officer (CMO) stated that the NVBDCP team reached Mongtikang village on April 24 to sensitise and create awareness on malaria.
In a short programme organised at the village council hall, A Nyumoi Phom, consultant of district vector borne disease, highlighted the status of malaria in the state as well as of Longleng district. She encouraged all the participants to use Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) regularly at night, to organise sanitisation drive especially during the mosquito transmission season, to fill up the ditches and other unwanted water collection sites in and around the locality, which invites mosquito breeding.
She also spoke on the signs and symptoms of malaria, causes, transmission, complications, and prevention. She further encouraged all the villagers to co-operate with the Ashas when they come to collect the blood slides.
It also stated that World Malaria Day was observed in Yongnyah block at Yongam village and in Tamlu block at Buranamsang village.
It added that malaria technical supervisor and surveillance workers from all the blocks collected RDT (rapid diagnostic test) blood slides and undertook house-to-house visits to check on the proper use of LLIN. Besides, IEC materials in Phom dialect were distributed.
Report stated that no malaria case was reported in Longleng district since 2019.
Mon: Mon district also observed the ‘World Malaria Day’ in six villages under six blocks.
During a programme held at Longphaoh village under Mon sadar block, the district vector borne consultant (DVBC), Meiwang, highlighted the target set by India to eliminate malaria by 2030 and the effort made to prevent and reduce malaria cases.
He urged the participants to assist the department in order to prevent the spread of malaria cases. He further informed that blood tests for malaria could be done in any government health unit free of cost.
Also speaking at the programme, malaria technician supervisor (MTS) of Mon sadar Benjongtemshu urged the public to keep their surroundings clean and remove stagnant water. He also urged them to regularly use LLIN and also report any case of fever and get tested for malaria for early detection and complete treatment.
Short speech on prevention of malaria was also delivered by Tingkem Konyak, surveillance inspector (SI), Mon sadar block. The department also undertook house-to-house visit for inspection on proper use of LLIN. Report stated that church leaders, village council members, and NGO attended the programme.
