On the occasion of World Malaria Day, Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang emphasised collaborated efforts between various departments and civil society organizations to prevent malaria particularly in rural areas, DIPR informed.
Speaking at the programme to mark the day, the DC pointed out that malaria has caused suffering and death for years and stressed the need to take preventive steps to eliminate malaria completely. He also mentioned the prevalence of the disease in areas with under developed areas with poor infrastructure.
Dr Chang suggested distribution of mosquito nets as an effective measure and also underscored reaching creating awareness and educating the public at the grassroot level. He said that malaria is a “persistent challenge and malaria remains a significant health concern, despite efforts spanning over 40 months”.
The DC congratulated the healthcare workers for their hard work in the fight against malaria, and emphasized the importance of equitable access to healthcare and synchronized global efforts in tune with the theme of this years World Malaria Day ‘Accelerating the Fight against Malaria for a More Equitable World’.
Peter Sangtam, District Vector Borne Disease Consultant (DVBDC), Dimapur highlighted on the NCVBDC programme and its activities under Dimapur District. He stated that the main vision is to eliminate Malaria from all blocks by 2027, interrupting indigenous transmission of malaria throughout the district and preventing the re-establishment of local transmission of malaria in an area where it has been eliminated, and maintaining district malaria-free status by 2030 and beyond.
Earlier, Dr. Limatula Aier, Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur, in the welcome address, emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in achieving the ambitious pre-malaria goals set for 2030. She highlighted the devastating impact of malaria, underscoring the urgent need to address this critical health challenge and said that various commendable activities and initiatives are currently being undertaken to combat malaria effectively.
Vote of thanks was delivered by Kikolul Khieya, Assistant Director, UMS while the invocation and benediction were offered by Wobeni Ezung, MTS, Dimapur Sadar Block, and Aosungkum, MI respectively. A brief and insightful speech was given by a respected Naga Council Member. The program also included a felicitation ceremony to honour the outstanding performance of the Surveillance Workers (SWs) and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Dimapur District.
The programme was chaired by Dr. A. Kavito Zhimomi, DPO CD-I/DSO.
