‘Nagaland in elimination phase of malaria’
April 25 is World Malaria Day
Kohima, April 24 (MExN): The state of Nagaland is in the elimination phase of malaria where the state is working towards zero indigenous malaria positive cases in the state.
“It is with the concerted efforts of all that malaria disease has sharply declined over the years and we stand to even achieve complete malaria elimination from the state in the coming years,” said Dr I Talitemsula Jamir, Joint Director & SPO, National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP), Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima
Dr Jamir also said that every year April 25 is observed as World Malaria Day and the theme for 2020 is ‘Zero Malaria starts with me’.
On World Malaria Day 2020, World Health Organisation continues to promote its theme “Zero malaria starts with me”, a grassroots campaign that aims to keep malaria high on the political agenda, mobilise additional resources, and empower communities to take ownership of malaria prevention and care.
“Towards this end the programme appeals to the public to remember to take preventive measures against malaria as we all stand in the throes of COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr Jamir appealed in a statement.
Prevent mosquito breeding by following the given measures:
• All water storage containers should be covered with well fitted lid.
• Remove or destroy all disposable, unused materials lying in and around the house like old tyres, broken pots, crockery or plastic items etc. to prevent water collection.
• Fill up ditches and unwanted water collection sites in and around your surroundings.
• Introduce larvivorous fishes if large water bodies like pond, fisheries etc are around your surroundings. The larvivorous fishes can be collected from District Vector Borne Office Dimapur.
Prevention from mosquito bite:
• Daily sleep under mosquito net preferably under Long Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) provided by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP).
• Use mosquito repellent.
• Wear long sleeve clothes especially when working outside.
Early Diagnosis and Complete Treatment:
• Do not take any fever casually.
• In case of fever get your blood tested immediately by an ASHA/health worker or at the nearest hospital.
• If tested positive for malaria take complete course of medicine prescribed to you.
