Nagaland joins movement for ‘accelerating fight against malaria’

Dimapur, April 25 (MExN): The World Malaria Day was observed across Nagaland under the theme, ‘Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world’ on April 25. 

In Dimapur, it was observed at the CMO conference hall, where the Deputy Commissioner, Dr Tinojongshi Chang, in his speech congratulated the healthcare workers for their hard work in the fight against malaria, and emphasising the importance of equitable access to healthcare and synchronized global efforts. Recalling personal experiences about malaria and its transmission, the DC Dimapur said that it is a persistent challenge and malaria remains a significant health concern, despite efforts spanning over 40 months, stated a DIPR report.

The DC asserted that malaria has caused suffering and death for years and efforts are needed to eliminate malaria completely, considering factors like migration and spread of the disease. On the health issues in underserved areas, he discussed on health issues affecting children under five and pregnant women and challenges in underdeveloped areas, including poor infrastructure and limited resources. 

He urged to collaborate between various departments and civil society organizations to improve health outcomes to prevention of malaria, where malaria prevention is crucial, especially in rural areas. He informed that distribution mosquito nets is an effective preventive measure for protection of malaria. “To create awareness and educate the public on the importance of raising awareness about certain issues and need to reach out to the grassroots level and explain complex issues in a simplified manner,” the DC Dimapur added. 

Peter Sangtam, DVBDC, Dimapur highlighted on the NCVBDC programme and its activities under Dimapur district. He stated that the main vision is to eliminate malaria from all blocks by 2027, interrupting indigenous transmission of malaria throughout the district and preventing the re-establishment of local transmission of malaria in an area where it has been eliminated, and maintaining district malaria-free status by 2030 and beyond.

Dr Limatula Aier, CMO Dimapur, in the welcome address, spoke on significance of collaborative efforts in achieving the ambitious pre-malaria goals set for 2030. She highlighted the devastating impact of malaria, underscoring the urgent need to address this critical health challenge and said that various commendable activities and initiatives are currently being undertaken to combat malaria effectively.

The programme also included a felicitation ceremony to honour the outstanding performance of the Surveillance Workers (SWs) and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Dimapur District. 

Mon: Mon district observed World Malaria Day at Town Council Hall, Mon on April 25. ADC Mon, K Temjennaro Longkumer gracing the programme as the special guest, appreciating the concerned department for their dedication and efforts she said that sanitization is very important for such vector borne diseases. She exhorted the gathering to approach the people to educate them and work hard with big heart for better impact in our society.

Speaking on this year’s theme, Ngipnon from Edith Douglas School said that malaria is not just a health issue but a social issue. It perpetuates and exacerbates existing inequalities, trapping communities in a cycle of poverty, inequality and lack of access to essential services. Solidarity and collaboration is important as to fight against Malaria cannot be won by a single entity. It requires collective action, she added.

In the welcome address, Dr Imnapokim, CMO, Mon appreciated the staffs of malaria department for their efforts. He informed that since last three years Mon district has nil reports on malaria and encouraged to be more responsible and to have good surveillance. He also informed that almost all the CHC Mon district have Blood Collection facilities.

Dr Abenthung Murry DVBO, Mon, acknowledged the top two performing ASHAs and SWs. Chula from Aboi under Aboi block and Ephong from Changlang village under Aboi block were declared the best performing ASHAs of 2024, and while PS. Chong from Tizit Block and L Mongnyei Konyak from Mon Sadar were declared the best performing SWs of 2024 respectively.

Kiphire: National Vector Born Diseases Control Program (NVBDCP), Kiphire observed World Malaria day at Chief Medical Officer, conference hall, Kiphire.

In a keynote address, Zhokuve Vero, Consultant VBD, Kiphire, briefed participants on how malaria could spread and encouraged community participation in creating awareness to control the disease. Consultant impressed upon the surveillance workers & MTS to sensitise and educate Villagers to reduce mosquito breeding which is vital in preventing the spread of malaria. 

Delivering short speech, Dr Dheni, District Epidemiologist, spoke on the importance of surveillance activities and its follow up action asserting the importance of proper management of sanitation and hygiene to prevent malaria. He highlighted some preventive measures for usages of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) treated mosquito. Further, he called for early testing of all fever for early detection of malaria and other vector borne diseases for early treatment. Dr Dheni also called for the need for more community participation and efforts to spread awareness about the disease. 

During the programme two best performing ASHAs & SWs from the district were also felicitated. 

Tuensang: World Malaria Day was observed at Tuensang with ADC Tuensang, Thungchanbemo Tungoe as the special guest at CMO Conference Hall, Tuensang.

Speaking on the programme, the ADC informed that Tuensang district has nil case of malaria up to date but said it should not be taken lightly. He called upon the gathering that more than 200 crore of people are affected by malaria each year and we have much to do from our side like spreading awareness about Malaria, clean our surroundings especially water stagnant area, using mosquito repellent and mosquito nets.

CMO Tuensang, Dr Neisakho Kere, proposed the welcome address while Yimliyangla Ong DVBC, Tuensang spoke on NVBDCP activities. 

Mokokchung: World Malaria day was observed at the CMO conference hall, Mokokchung. Speaking on the occasion, Chumlamo Humtsoe, Additional Deputy Commissioner lauded the Medical department and District Vector Borne Disease Control Programme for their effort and accomplishment in the district. He encouraged the medical team to render their valuable services especially to rural areas without technologies.

Key note address was delivered by Imkummongba Nungtanger DVBD, Consultant where he presented the status of Malaria, IEC/BCC activities, National framework for malaria elimination and importance of case control in the District.

In the programme the 2 best performing ASHAs Imtinungla of Kubza village and Yashikumla of Changtongya village were facilitated along with 2 best surveillance workers, Lanuakum from Ongpangkong Block and Chupayapang from Changtongya block. 

Wokha: National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) Wokha organised a programme to commemorate World Malaria Day at CMO Conference Hall Wokha.

Dr K William Humtsoe, District Vector Borne Officer Wokha spoke on the significance of the day. He highlighted that the day was first instituted by World Health Organization and celebrated internationally in 2008. On this day let us remember the millions of people who have lost their lives due to malaria and create awareness to fight against the disease, he added. Dr Humtsoe also informed on the malaria activities such as community cleanup which includes removal of mosquito breeding sites and distribution of LLIN mosquito nets.

Speaking on the topic ‘Fight against Malaria,’ Dr Zubenthung Kikon, CMO Wokha urged the health workers to be alert as malaria is public health hazard and sensitize the public on the treatment and testing facilities provided by the medical department. He also sought for active surveillance and collection of blood slits by health workers.

Wezolo Medo, Consultant NVBDCP Wokha gave a brief report on the malaria scenario in the district. He mentioned that there was a considerable decrease in cases since 2018 and only two cases were reported in 2023. Positive cases are mostly reported from urban areas in the district, he added. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Surveillance Workers (SW) who were felicitated for their performance in malaria reporting in the district were Renkhono, ASHA Ward 4 Wokha town, Chinboy, ASHA Baghty town, Yanrenthung Ngullie, SW and Nchumbemo Lotha, SW. 

Longleng: World Malaria Day cum district task force meeting was held in CMO conference hall, Longleng, organised by NCVBDC, Longleng.

A press release by Media Officer CMO office stated that Dr Tiameren Imchen, DVBO in his presentation highlighted the status of malaria in Longleng and said that Longleng district mark as Zero Malaria cases since 2019 till date. In his presentation he highlighted on the key intervention to be undertaken by the District for certification in malaria elimination and preparation for malaria elimination.

He also encouraged the malaria elimination team to monitor and supervise the whole District and respective Health Units to ascertain certification by DTF and to review and verify the reports to ensure its quality 

EAC Imkongnukla Ao in her short speech stressed about the importance of sanitation. She encouraged all the attendees to use LLINS regularly, to fill up the ditches and unwanted water collection sites in and around the locality.

During the programme, Best ASHA and Best SW was felicitated - Best ASHA: T Ale Phom from Auching Village Longleng Block 1st Position and K Yimet Yongnyah Village Yongnyah Block 2nd position and Best Performing Surveillance Worker- B Nyakpa Phom Tamlu block 1st position and Longting T Yongnyah Block  2nd position.  All four awardees where presented with certificates and cash prize.

Similarly, World Malaria Day was observed in all the three blocks under Longleng, Yaongyimchen Village, IR-Chingtok and Buranamsang Government High School awareness were give and blood samples were collected after the programme.
Prior to World Malaria Day, a District Task Force meeting was held at CMO Conference Hall Longleng on April 25.