An Advocacy meeting on Prevention and Control of Vector Borne Diseases for Dimapur district was held at Chapel Hall, District Hospital Dimapur today.
In his keynote address, Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi said that eliminating Malaria, Dengue and JE requires collaboration between the health department, its allied departments and the general public. He also mentioned that recent floods caused by heavy rain have raised concerns about the spread of diseases.
Dr Chang emphasized that raising awareness about preventive measures among the public is crucial for controlling and preventing disease spread. He urged health personnel and community representatives at the program to share the information they learned to help the public prevent disease spread through knowledge.
He also expressed gratitude and appreciation to all health workers, ASHAs, and those working at the grassroots level. He further stated that the District Administration Department is ready to provide support and cooperation in the fight against these diseases.
Peter Sangtam, Consultant, DVBDC presented on the basic information on Dengue, JE, and Malaria and Vector Borne Diseases scenario in the district. He gave an example of how dengue cases went from 2034 in 2023 down to 3 in 2024 due to government and public teamwork. He urged all present to play their part in the prevention and control of the diseases.
Lhouti Tsuzuh, Assistant Entomologist, Dimapur presented the scenarios in controlling vector borne diseases and the department’s activities and efforts.
Dr. Keyekhweshe Kepfoh, Chief Veterinary Officer, Dimapur, presented the Veterinary Department’s role in controlling JE disease. He also stated pigs amplify the JE virus, and waterbirds are the main reservoir. Though waterbirds and pigs aren’t affected, mosquitoes get infected by biting an infected pig and then transmit the virus to humans, making it fatal. Infected pigs show no signs except possibly in pregnant sows/pigs, leading to neurological defects or stillbirth in piglets. The Veterinary department conducts serological surveys to track the prevalence and spread of the JE virus in animals, indicating areas where the virus circulates. Controlling JE in pigs involves a multi-pronged approach focusing on mosquito control and pig vaccination as crucial preventive measures.
He further stated that veterinary epidomological and field investigations act as an early warning system for JE outbreaks, allowing for timely interventions and potentially reducing the number of human cases.
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The programme was chaired by Dr Kavito Zhimomi, DPO, CD-I/DSO, the welcome addressed was said by Dr George Thirah, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Dimapur and vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Philip Kent, Dy. Chief Medical Officer. Other official present includes Dr Yetovi Tuccu, Chief Medical Officer Dimapur, Dr Yartenla Jamir, Chief Medical Officer Chumukedima District, Dr Lhishelo, District Programme Officer, NLEP/NCD, Dr Michael Imti Imchen, Deputy Director, Veterinary Hospital, Dr Sentinungla Ao, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, and staffs under CMO, MS and CVO offices, ASHAs under Urban and Sadar Block, and community representatives under Dimapur District.
