WORLD MALARIA DAY PROGRAM HELD AT DIMAPUR

World Malaria Day Program was held at Dimapur on 25th April 2024 at the CMO Conference Hall, Dimapur under the theme: "Accelerating the Fight against Malaria for a More Equitable World".

Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, in his speech congratulated the healthcare workers for their hard work in the fight against malaria, and emphasizing the importance of equitable access to healthcare and synchronized global efforts. Recalling personal experiences about malaria and its transmission he said that it's a Persistent Challenge and Malaria remains a significant health concern, despite efforts spanning over 40 months.

Speaking on understanding the impact of mosquitoes on malaria, the DC asserted that ,alaria has caused suffering and death for years due to mosquitoes and efforts are needed to eliminate malaria completely, considering factors like migration and spread of the disease. He also addressed the health issues in underserved areas, discussing on health issues affecting children under five and pregnant women and challenges in underdeveloped areas, including poor infrastructure and limited resources. He urged to Collaborate between various departments and civil society organizations to improve health outcomes to prevention of Malaria, where Malaria prevention is crucial, especially in rural areas. He informed that distribution mosquito nets is an effective preventive measure for protection of Malaria. He also said to create awareness and educate the public on the importance of raising awareness about certain issues and need to reach out to the grassroots level and explain complex issues in a simplified manner.

Peter Sangtam, DVBDC, Dimapur highlighted on the NCVBDC program 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.

Dr. Limatula Aier, CMO Dimapur, graciously delivered a welcome address, emphasizing 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.

(Limatoshi I.A Dimapur)