Health workers screening people during house visits in Phek.
PHEK, JUNE 30 (MExN): In commemoration of ‘Anti-Malaria Month,’ the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP), Phek under the theme ‘Zero malaria starts with me’ carried out various activities in 15 villages of the district.
A press release informed that the anti-Malaria month is observed every year in the month of June prior to the onset of monsoon to enhance the level of awareness.
Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was done in all the 15 villages during which the villagers were sensitized on the cycle of mosquitoes, signs and symptoms of malaria, control and preventive measures and treatment by DVBO, DVBDC, SMI & MTS.
During the house to house survey, all the fever cases were screened and the villagers were sensitized on the importance of daily usage of LLIN bed net by ANMs and ASHAs. During the observance of the program the team also created awareness on different topics relating to COVID-19.
Meanwhile, the Dimapur NVBDCP unit observed Anti-malaria Month 2020 in all the blocks under Dimapur District.
Interpersonal Communication in the form of Focus Group Discussion was held in 15 selected villages. These 15 villages were selected based on the high prevalence of malaria in the past years. During the FGD, elimination strategies were discussed focusing on early diagnosis and complete treatment and regular usage of bednets and other self protective measures to prevent mosquito bites. The importance of developing health seeking behavior was also emphasized during the discussion.
M Ezewe, District Consultant, NVBDCP Dimapur along with respective Block Malaria Technical Supervisors conducted the FGD sessions.
Ezewe stated that incomplete treatment may cause relapses and resistance to anti-malarial drugs. Early diagnosis and treatment also reduces the transmission rate and interrupt the transmission cycle in the community. He also urged the communities to conduct sanitation drive on a regular basis in their respective communities to reduce mosquito breeding sources. He further stated that ASHAs in the villages are qualified to conduct blood test for malaria.
NVBDCP Dimapur also screened fever cases, distributed IEC materials and conducted poster campaign in the blocks. The 15 villages where FGD sessions were conducted are: Nihokhu, Zukihe, Piphema, Pherima, Tenyiphe-I, Chumukedima Ward-4, Doyapur, Hazadisa, Pukhato, Seluophe, Khasiram, Aoyimkum, Burma Camp East Block, Lingrijan, and Neisatuo Colony. Whatsapp Groups in these villages were created to share information related to malaria and other health related information.
The following Phone numbers may be contacted for any fever/malaria suspect cases: Dhansiripar Block: 8413809947, Dimapur Sadar: 8730017295 & 9366062567, Chumukedima: 7005280899, Medziphema: 8732093485, Niuland: 7005852844, Kuhuboto: 9856156099, and Consultant: 9862754648.
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