The State Vector Borne Disease Control Programme organized a World Malaria Day, with the theme, "Time to Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, Innovate, Implement", on 25th April 2023 at Health & Family Welfare Directorate, Kohima.
Principal Director, DoH&FW, Dr. Vibeituouno M. Sachu said that World Malaria Day is observed every year on the 25th of April to recognize global efforts to control malaria. The National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control in the State has been progressing steadily toward a malaria-free Nagaland. She said that there is a sharp decline in malaria morbidity and mortality, and there have been no malaria deaths since 2017, from 75 deaths in 2006. Sachu said that this is a major step towards their goal for the elimination of malaria, but there are many more things to be done in order to have a Malaria Free State. In recent years, three Districts:- Mokokchung, Longleng, and Zunheboto have been successful in malaria control programmes with no malaria-positive cases reported. To successfully eliminate malaria by 2030, the Principal Director said that the Department harnesses the existing approaches and innovations such as:- Highly Sensitive Rapid Diagnostic Testing Kits, Long Lasting Insecticidal bed nets, advanced anti-malaria drugs, and advanced Data Management Systems. She concluded the Health Workers for their achievements and appealed to all the frontline workers including the ASHAs for committed support and also advocated the need to work together to create mass awareness about timely and effective treatments and vector-controlled measures.
Commissioner & Secretary, DoH&FW, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, said that Nagaland has brought down malaria cases from 8489 cases in 2009 to only 5 in 2022. He also said that as the State observes World Malaria Day, there is a need to create awareness about the devastating effect on health, social and economic consequences due to malaria. To achieve this goal, he added that we need political support and cooperation from the line departments and Institutions, the Public, NGOs, and Faith-based organizations.
Kikheto also said that the new strain of malaria which is resisting malaria drugs in South East Asia, has been reported that it has reached within 25 km of the Indian border of Myanmar. Hence there is an urgency to eliminate Malaria as soon as possible. The role of experts and research scientists is crucial for a new medicine to fight against the new malaria.
The Commissioner further mentioned that this year's theme, “Time to deliver zero malaria; Invest, Innovate, Implement", three Is is achievable only through the 4 Cs: Coordination, Cooperation, Confidence, and Contribution. On the road to the elimination of malaria by 2030, Nagaland needs an awareness campaign, and cleanliness drive involving all sections of the people.
Three Best performing Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) under Kohima District were felicitated: Chichanbeni, Lerie SC, Temsujungla, AG, SC, and Keneiphrenuo, Rusoma, SC.
The programme was chaired by Mission Director, NHM, Dr. Ritu Thurr, while State Programme Officer, NVBDCP, Dr. Neisakho Kere presented Programme Overview and also a short demonstration on malaria eradication.
(Takumpula, IA)
