Photo caption: Attendees during the observance of World Malaria Day at District Hospital Mon on April 25. (Photo Courtesy: CMO Mon)
Mon, April 26 (MExN): World Malaria Day was observed at the Conference Hall of District Hospital Mon on April 25 under the theme “Drive to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.” The programme was organised by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, Mon.
The event was attended by representatives from various wards, who were urged to promote awareness, maintain cleanliness and undertake source reduction activities in their communities ahead of the monsoon season.
Dr Abenthung Murry, District Vector Borne Disease Officer (DVBDO), presented an overview of the malaria situation in the district. He stated that Mon recorded its first imported P. vivax case from Longwa in October 2025. Thereafter, indigenous cases began to be reported, rising to 77 by December 2025.
From January to April 2026, a total of 20 cases have been detected, with most patients having recovered. While cases are declining, he emphasised that the district is not yet malaria-free and sustained efforts remain necessary.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Supongmenla Walling, who attended as special guest, stressed the importance of early treatment and completion of medication. She noted that effective drugs such as injectable artesunate are now available free of cost and have helped prevent malaria-related deaths.
She also highlighted the presence of malaria, dengue and Japanese Encephalitis in the district, calling for stronger preventive measures, including elimination of mosquito breeding sites. She further suggested the introduction of larvivorous fish as a control measure.
Sentimen Jamir of Edith Douglas School delivered a speech on the theme.
The programme was chaired by N Nokman, DVBD Consultant, with invocation by Y P David, Chaplain, District Hospital Mon, and vote of thanks by Tingkem Konyak, Malaria Inspector.
