‘No Malaria related death in Nagaland since 2017’

World Malaria Day observed across the state 

DIMAPUR, APRIL 26 (MExN): Along with the rest of the world, Nagaland state also joined in observing the World Malaria Day on Tuesday under the theme, “Time to Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, Innovate, Implement.” 

KOHIMA: The State Vector Borne Disease Control Programme organized the World Malaria Day at the Health & Family Welfare Directorate, Kohima.

Principal Director, DoH&FW, Dr. Vibeituouno M. Sachu said the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control in the State has been progressing steadily toward a Malaria-free Nagaland. She revealed that there is a sharp decline in malaria morbidity and mortality, and there have been no malaria deaths since 2017, from 75 deaths in 2006. 

Sachu said that this is a major step towards their goal for the elimination of malaria, but there are many more things to be done in order to have a Malaria free state. In recent years, three districts- Mokokchung, Longleng, and Zunheboto have been successful in malaria control programmes with no malaria-positive cases reported. 

Commissioner & Secretary, DoH&FW, Y. Kikheto Sema said that Nagaland has brought down malaria cases from 8489 cases in 2009 to only 5 in 2022. He also said there is a need to create awareness about the devastating effect on health, social and economic consequences due to malaria. To achieve this goal, he said political support and cooperation from the line departments and institutions, the public, NGOs, and faith-based organizations were the need of the hour.

Three best performing Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) Chichanbeni, Temsujungla, and Keneiphrenuo under Kohima district were felicitated on the occasion. 

DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of DTF for Malaria Elimination, Sachin Jaiswal said Malaria is a global concern however improvement was seen in the past few years. He also highlighted that Dimapur is the only district where in all 12 months, mosquitoes can be seen.

He said in Dimapur, Malaria cases have been declining and stressed on the need to change to a cleaner environment and lifestyle. Best performing ASHAs was awarded to Latika, Katoli, and Kughali Achumi. 

MOKOKCHUNG: In Mokokchung, World Malaria Day was observed at the CMO Conference Hall, Mokokchung with
Deputy Commissioner, Shashank Pratap Singh, lauding the Medical Department and the Vector Borne Committee for their effort and accomplishment in containing Malaria in the district. 

The DC maintained that there is no scope for complacency when it comes to diseases; therefore, everyone needs to be alert and to carry on with the awareness programs. 

While pointing out that children are more vulnerable to Malaria and all other diseases, the DC asked the concerned department to carry out the task of visiting the household in the villages so as to promote awareness. He further said that community support is the key factor to contain the disease and said all the PHCs should also be able to treat the disease.

Chubatola (Chakba), Sunepmongla (Longmisa), and Toshinaro (Lakhuni) were felicitated as the three best performing ASHAs. 

PEREN: In Peren district, World Malaria Day cum District Task Force meeting was held at DC’s Conference Hall New Peren Headquarter.

Deputy Commissioner Peren Vineet Kumar called upon all stakeholders to work consistently to reduce the prevalence of Malaria to zero level. The DC also appreciated the ASHAs in the district and at the village level for working tirelessly. On the occasion, ASHAs of New Puilwa Village, Sailhem Village, & Gaily Village were felicitated with cash and citation certificate.  Dr K. Limatula Ao, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Peren called all concerned to keep their surroundings clean and to raise awareness and give effort to completely eradicate malaria from the district. 

WOKHA: In Wokha, World Malaria Day was observed at DC Conference Hall, Wokha. 

Dr. Zubenthung Kikon, Chief Medical Officer, Wokha in his key note address mentioned the objective of the Day and the need for active participation of communities to eradicate the disease. He highlighted on the impact of the disease on communities and termed it as a major health problem. 

Dr. Kikon emphasised on early diagnosis, referral and treatment in order to achieve the goal of zero malaria.

A presentation on the district scenario was given by Wezolo Medo, DVBD Consultant. He informed that zero malaria cases have been reported in the district during the year 2022, he added. ASHAs namely Martha from Yikhum, Nrano from Elumyo and Zuchobeni Ovung from L. Yanthung villages were presented with certificate and cash by ADC Wokha.

LONGLENG : World Malaria Day cum District Task Force and Committee meeting on Malaria Elimination was observed at DC Conference Hall, DC office, Longleng. 

Deputy Commissioner, Longleng, Dharma Raj in his address stressed on proper management of sanitation and hygiene to prevent Malaria and urged the participants to keep their surroundings clean so as to reduce mosquito breeding and prevent the spread of Malaria.

A Nyumoi Phom, VBD consultant during a power point presentation said Longleng district had no Malaria cases since 2019 till date.

Three ASHAs namely P. Amenla Phom of Namhaching village, Phanyu Phom of Yongshei village and Ounching Phom of Yimchong village were awarded best performing ASHAs. 

ZUNHEBOTO : World Malaria Day 2023 was observed at DC Conference Hall, Zunheboto under the aegis of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP).

Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali, in his speech acknowledged the medical department and the district NVBDCP for their active participation in eradicating malaria in the district. He also acknowledged the health care workers, ASHAs for their role in carrying out the vector borne surveillance activities and its follow up action. CMO Zunheboto, Dr. Zathung Lotha delivered a short speech in which he detailed on the achievements and progress of the malaria programme. Keynote address was delivered by Dr. K. Akaho Sema, Deputy CMO, Zunheboto. Top three best performing ASHA workers namely Grace of Maromi village, Zhenaho of Izheto Village and Inali Zhimo of Lizu Old village were felicitated on the occasion.