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Dimapur, Feb. 16 (EMN): Three cases of malaria were detected in Wokha district in 2021. The district also falls under category-2, which is in the pre-elimination phase.
This was disclosed by Wezolo Medo, consultant of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), during a meeting of the district task force on malaria elimination held on February 16 in the conference hall of the deputy commissioner’s office. In a powerpoint presentation on the district scenario, Medo gave a brief introduction on NVBDCP, epidemiological report, human resources, objectives, activities in the district and health institutions involved in the programme, an update from office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Wokha, stated.
In his keynote address, CMO Dr. Zuben Kikon described malaria as a major health problem in the country and urged the healthcare workers to sincerely execute their duties in order to prevent resurgence of malaria cases in the district. He also mentioned the availability of a rapid diagnostic test kit and use of long lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) for controlling the disease.
Dr. Kikon stressed on early diagnosis and prompt treatment as key components for malaria prevention. Dr. Kikon further informed that more than 69,350 LLIN were distributed in 149 villages across the district and 28 colonies of Wokha town in 2021, while 11 microscopic centres are functioning in the district to conduct malaria tests.
The additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of Wokha, T Lankonsen Tsanglao, spoke on the importance of behavioral changes and participation of line departments to prevent the disease. Reminding that alertness is the key element to stop transmission, he urged the healthcare workers to educate the rural community on disease prevention.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. K William Humtsoe, district vector borne officer, who also welcomed the officials from district administration and line departments on behalf of the medical department.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Khesheli Awomi, epidemiologist, who thanked the administration and line departments for attending the meeting and hoped that malaria would be eliminated from the district with their active participation.