Dimapur: Community participation to eliminate malaria emphasised

June 24, 2023 28 Views No Comment

Dimapur, June 24 (MExN): National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme, Dimapur Unit observed Anti-Malaria Month 2023 under the theme ‘time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement’ commencing from June 1 till 31.

Dr A Kavito, District Vector Borne Officer, Dimapur in a press release stated that the importance of community participation to eliminate malaria in the district was emphasized during the month-long observation. Stakeholders such as village authorities, civil societies, faith-based organizations, youths, etc have been involved in all anti-malaria activities conducted in the district. Besides keeping the surrounding or village clean, the stakeholders were sensitised on the importance of source reduction which is to reduce mosquito breeding grounds in their respective localities to eliminate and prevent the spread of malaria and other vector borne diseases.

Screening of malaria as part of Anti-Malaria Month 2023 undertaken by National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme, Dimapur Unit.

During the month-long observation, several anti-malaria activities have been carried out throughout the district such as awareness on the causes and symptoms, preventive measures to be taken, diagnosis and treatment, use of insecticidal treated bed nets, etc. Health camps to screen for malaria were also conducted in ten selected villages in the district.

The District Vector Borne Diseases Control Team has urged the public to protect themselves from vector borne diseases during this monsoon period by ensuring there is no stagnant water that acts as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and keep their surroundings clean and dry, use insecticide treated mosquito nets at night, use mosquito repellants, wears full sleeves shirts and long pants, to cover all water containers and tanks, to get tested for malaria, dengue or other vector diseases in case of fever. Diagnosis and treatment for malaria are provided free of cost in all government health units, he informed.

The team involved in carrying out anti-malaria activities in the district was lead by Dr A Kavito Zhimomi, District Vector Borne Officer, Peter Sangtam, District Vector Borne Diseases Consultant, Malaria Inspectors, Malaria Technical Supervisors, Surveillance Inspectors, Surveillance Workers, and ASHAs.