Peren, Longleng observe ‘Anti-malaria month’

DIMAPUR — The National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) in Peren and Longleng observed ‘Anti-malaria month’ from June 1 to the 30 on the theme “Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world.”

An update from CMO office, Peren, stated that 12 villages were selected by state NCVDC for the month-long campaign. It added that the selection was based on certain criteria such as low reach, possible malaria susceptibility and difficult or hard to reach areas.

Basing on the criteria, IEC/ BCC activities on vector borne diseases, prevention and control with special emphasis to avail free testing and treatment in government facilities for malaria were carried out at GMS Samziuram, GMS Lilen, GMS Ikiesingram, GMS Jalukiezangdi, Besumpuilwa, Songsang, Pelhang, New Ngaulong, Lower Sinjol and the last villages of Peren under Tening block namely Nzauna and Lalong.

During the campaign, mass fever screening for malaria and inspection on use of long lasting insecticide nets (LLIN) in the villages were conducted besides encouraging the communities to participate strictly at source reduction activities especially during the monsoon when vector population is at its peak.

It added that the District Vector Borne Diseases Control Unit, Peren, in collaboration with ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA) also organised an awareness programme on malaria elimination in Beisumpuikam village on June 22 wherein village leaders of Jalukie Zangdi village also participated.

The district vector borne diseases control officer, Dr. Hedungkiebe, was the special guest.

It mentioned that AIDA, in collaboration with NCVBDC, Peren, has adopted the two villages to eliminate malaria.

Vimekhrie-u Metsieo, district VBD consultant, stated that besides the 12 selected villages, the team had screened mobile population/ migrant workers at Pedi and Heunambe.

The National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC), Longleng division, also observed the anti-malaria month by carrying out various activities in villages and health units in all three blocks.

It stated that activities such as awareness on prevention of malaria and other vector borne diseases, diagnosis and treatment, how to make use of the facilities that are available at their respective CHC, PHC and sub-centre and to make proper use of the LLIN, house-to-house visits, fever survey, leaflet distribution, posters, source reduction, miking, container survey etc were carried out in the district during the month.

The anti-malaria activities was led by the district vector borne officer (DVBO), Dr. Tiameren Imchen, and district vector borne consultant, A Nyumoi Phom, along with malaria inspectors, malaria technical supervisors, surveillance inspectors, surveillance workers and ASHA.

The team visited community centres for disseminating awareness with active participant from the community, interacted with stakeholders, villagers and sensitised the community about signs and symptoms, preventive measures, correct and daily use of LLIN, availability of free testing and treatment in all health facilities.

It added that awareness and sensitisation were also carried out in some churches and schools. The ASHAs were also encouraged to perform RDT/ slide every month.

A total of 325 blood samples were collected and tested negative.

It mentioned that Longleng district has no malaria cases since 2019.