Dimapur, June 30 (EMN): National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) under the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Peren, concluded the observance of ‘Anti-malaria month’ on June 29. The ‘Anti-malaria month’ was observed on the theme “Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives.”
An update from the CMO’s office stated that ten villages from all the four blocks in Peren district namely Beisumpuikam, Ngwalwa Town, Gaili Namdi, Pedi, Peletkie, Ndunglwa, Old Chalkot, Inbung, Old and New Tesen were selected for the activities. The selection was based on certain criteria such as low awareness, possible malaria susceptibility, and difficulty to reach.
The district NCVBDC unit under the supervision of district vector borne disease officer, Dr. Hedungkiebe, and district consultant along with block malaria technical supervisors, surveillance workers, and ASHA workers of the selected villages actively participated in the activities. The unit carried out community sensitisation and awareness on the signs and symptoms, preventive measures, correct and daily usage of long lasting insecticide net (LLIN), availability of testing and treatment in all health facilities and awareness about other vector borne diseases.
Dr. Hedungkiebe informed that no malaria cases have been reported in Peren since 2021.
Awareness-cum-health camps were conducted in those villages. Mass screening for malaria in the selected villages as well as the migrant workers were also conducted as part of the anti-malaria month campaign.
Longleng district also observed the ‘Anti-malaria month’ by organising awareness programmes from June 14 to the 22nd.
An update from the CMO’s office stated that the NCVBDC team led by A Nyumoi Phom, VBD consultant, organised awareness programmes on prevention of malaria and to make use of the facilities provided at their respective CHC, PHC and sub-health centers. Besides, the team advised the public to make proper use of LLIN to prevent themselves from malaria. Leaflets and posters were distributed to the public during the awareness programme.
The team visited schools and community centers and conducted awareness programmes. Besides, the team visited 10 villages and collected a total of 282 blood samples. Report further stated that no malaria cases have been detected in Longleng district since 2019.