Malaria elimination prog. launched in Wokha

Dimapur, Dec. 4 (EMN): Malaria elimination programme was officially launched in Wokha district at Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall on Monday, with the theme “End Malaria for Good.” In this connection, District Task force (DTC) in collaboration with different Governmental institutions such as Agriculture, Fishery Education, Social welfare, Municipal cooperation & NGOs, Team metamorphosis and other stakeholders were set up. The chief guest, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of DHS & DTF, Wokha Dr. Manazir Jeelani in his speech stressed on the importance of team collaboration and to strive towards malaria elimination in the district by 2024. He also encouraged the staff of NVBDCP as they are faring better in comparison to national level being in the status of category 1 ( Pre- elimination phase). He also emphasised on further strengthening of BCC activities to penetrate the community and give awareness at all peripheral levels. He said to successfully achieve any programme, awareness is the precursor, by citing an example of Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan now known as Swacch Bharat Abhiyan which did not went smooth sailing in the early days. CMO Dr. Enrithung Lotha, who is also the co- chairman of DTF gave an encouragement note and assured to extend his support in the task of eliminating the disease. The programme was chaired by DVBO Dr. Zuben Kikon. The DVBO gave a keynote address on need to know situational analysis of the disease in the district. The DVBC Wezolo Medo delivered the welcome address and presented the trend and activities usually carried out in the district and Zuchamo Yanthan MTS highlighted the malarial scenario in the district. Dr. Zuben concluded the programme with closing remark “everyday is a malaria day. A day has set up to fight against the killer disease”.