A health worker receives award during the of the World Malaria Day event held in Kohima on April 25. (Morung Photo)
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Records zero malaria cases in eight districts in 2023
Morung Express News
Kohima | April 25
In a significant public health achievement, Nagaland has recorded zero malaria cases in eight districts in 2023 indicating a major progress in the State’s fight against the vector-borne disease.
Health officials said Nagaland is one of the best performing states in the North-East region towards elimination of malaria.
According to data from the National Center for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC), Directorate of Health & Family Welfare (DoHFW) the districts of Dimapur, Phek, Longleng, Mokokchung, Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire and Zunheboto reported zero case in 2023.
The trend data also indicated a steady reduction in malaria cases over the past six years from 20 cases in 2019 to zero case in 2024.
There were 12 positive cases reported in 2020, eight in 2021, five in 2022 and four in 2023.
Meanwhile, the observation of the World Malaria Day scheduled to be held at the DoHFW, was shifted to the Secretariat conference due to the picketing of the directorate by the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) against the appointment of non-indigenous personnel under grade-IV posts.
Addressing the gathering, Principal Director cum Mission Director (NHM) H&FW, Dr E Motsuthung Patton recalled Nagaland's longstanding battle with malaria and the its devastating effects.
However, he expressed satisfaction at the significant strides made by the State over the years towards achieving the goal of malaria elimination by 2030, attributing the success to the diligent health workers and community volunteers, particularly ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activist).
However, Dr Patton reminded that the progress still remains fragile and challenging and underscored the need to innovate more community-centric approaches, invest in robust healthcare infrastructure, and implement strategies that reach the most vulnerable.
Dr Akuo Sorhie, Director (Health) remarked that it would be a crime to let anyone die of malaria stating that one need not be a doctor to save lives, and urged all to spread awareness in their vicinity.
Two award categories were presented during the event, with Mhalerovi and Diezenuo honoured in the 'Surveillance Worker' category, while Kikrusi and Temsujungla received awards under ASHA.
Discussing grassroots approach to malaria prevention on the sideline of the event, an ASHA awardee told The Morung Express,"Our engagement primarily involves conducting Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) and distributing Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN)."
She also informed that they (ASHAs) often go door-to-door creating awareness and one-on-one talk with the people, especially pregnant women and elderly people, while awareness camps are being organised time to time.
Meanwhile, on behalf of all her colleagues, she expressed the need for the department to provide ASHA workers with sufficient disposal hand gloves and first aid kids.
It was learnt that, ASHA workers buy disposal gloves from their own pockets, and sometimes they asked from the sub-centres.
“Even if we sometimes asked from the health sub-centres, its one time use, and most of the time, we have to buy from our pockets,” she stated.
