Officials during the awareness drive on National Dengue Day held at District Hospital, Longleng on May 16.
Dimapur, May 17 (MExN): National Dengue Day was observed across Longleng, Phek and Mokokchung districts on May 16 with awareness programmes, sanitation drives and vector control activities aimed at preventing the spread of dengue ahead of the monsoon season.
In Longleng, the observance was organised by the District Health Society Longleng on the initiative of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) under the guidance of the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland.
Officials said activities were conducted across all health units in the district, including District Hospital Longleng, Health and Wellness Centres and sub-centres.
Health workers, staff and community members participated in cleanliness and sanitation drives in and around health institutions, colonies and public areas to eliminate mosquito breeding sites such as stagnant water containers and waste materials.
Awareness programmes on dengue prevention and control were also conducted in schools and communities by health workers and NVBDCP staff. Students and community members were educated on the signs and symptoms of dengue, source reduction measures, maintenance of cleanliness and the importance of personal protective practices such as using mosquito nets, wearing full-sleeved clothing and keeping surroundings clean.
The district health team appealed to the public to remain vigilant and actively participate in preventing mosquito breeding to protect communities from dengue and other vector-borne diseases.
Meanwhile, in Phek district, the NVBDCP conducted an awareness programme, miking and sensitisation drive at the Chief Medical Officer’s conference hall.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Rebecca Y Sema, District Vector Borne Officer, highlighted the significance of observing National Dengue Day and stressed the importance of public awareness in preventing dengue outbreaks.
An awareness talk on dengue was delivered by malaria consultant Khrusayi Khamo, who explained the signs and symptoms of dengue fever, preventive measures and methods for controlling the disease.
He also informed participants that a miking campaign would be carried out across the district to sensitise the public on dengue prevention and vector control measures.
As part of the observance, a mass sanitation drive was conducted in all wards of Meluri town to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and promote cleanliness. The programme was attended by malaria programme staff from various blocks under the district.
In Mokokchung district, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme observed National Dengue Day on May 16 under the same theme. Dengue awareness activities focusing on signs and symptoms, modes of transmission and preventive measures were conducted across Mangkolemba, Tuli, Alongkima, Tsurangkong and Changtongya blocks.
A dengue awareness programme was also held at the Chief Medical Officer’s office and addressed by Dr Martula Lemtur.
Cleanliness drives were carried out in health units and surrounding areas, including draining stagnant water from flower pots, discarded cans, tyres, gutters and other mosquito breeding sites. Multi-tasking staff (MTS), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Medical Officers, Community Health Officers and other health workers also conducted house-to-house source reduction activities, poster campaigns and interpersonal communication (IPC) sessions to spread awareness on dengue prevention and control.
