NVBDCP observes Anti-Malaria Month in Zunheboto

Morung Express News
Zunheboto | June 27

The National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) was observed at the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) office in Zunheboto on June 27. 

Tsoinchu Sangtam, Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) of Zunheboto, addressed the gathering and urged all stakeholders to intensify their efforts in the fight against vector-borne diseases. Stressing the importance of community collaboration, he stated, “Let’s do it together,” and called for increased awareness and collective action to combat these preventable diseases.

Dr Esther Kath, District Programme Officer (DPO) CD-1 cum District Vector-Borne Officer (DVBO), gave a PowerPoint presentation outlining the objectives of the programme. She noted that the Anti-Malaria Month (AMM) is observed annually to raise awareness and encourage public participation in the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue.

She highlighted that the goal is to eliminate malaria from India by 2030. “Vector-borne diseases often peak during the monsoon season, especially from July to November,” she informed. In Nagaland, malaria, dengue, and Japanese encephalitis are more commonly reported, unlike other diseases such as kala-azar, lymphatic filariasis, and chikungunya.

Dr Kath emphasized the critical role of the community in disease prevention. “Malaria is a life-threatening yet preventable disease transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito,” she said. She urged communities to actively participate in sanitation drives, dry day campaigns, and to support local government initiatives such as regular waste disposal and timely reporting of any outbreaks.

She concluded by reminding the public that all testing and treatment under the programme are provided free of cost.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Unice P Zhimomi, with an invocation prayer by Khekuto Sumi, Medical Inspector (NVBDCP). Vote of thanks was pronounced by Mudosayi Huire, DVBC (NVBDCP).