ADC Wokha T Lankonsen Tsanglao addressing the DTF meeting on Malaria Elimination at DC Conference hall Wokha on February 16. (Photo Courtesy: CMO office Wokha)
Wokha, February 16 (MExN): ‘Three cases of malaria were found in Wokha district last year and the district falls under category 2 which is the pre-elimination phase.’ This was informed by Wezolo Medo, Consultant, NVBDCP (National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme) while presenting the district scenario during the District Task Force meeting on Malaria Elimination under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) Wokha held at Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Wokha on February 16.
According to the WHO, Pre‐elimination consists of the period of reorientation of malaria control programmes between the sustained control and elimination stages, when coverage with good‐quality laboratory and clinical services, reporting and surveillance are reinforced, followed by other programme adjustments to halt transmission nationwide.
A press from Chief Medical Officer’s office Wokha stated that during the meeting, Medo informed that more than 69,350 Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) were distributed in 149 villages across the district and 28 colonies of Wokha town in 2021 and 11 microscopic centre are functioning in the district to conduct malaria test. He also gave a brief introduction on NVBDCP, epidemiological report, human resources, objectives, activities in the district and health institutions involved in the programme.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Zuben Kikon, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Wokha stated that Malaria is a major health problem in the country and health workers have to sincerely execute their duties in order to prevent resurgence of malaria cases in the district. He mentioned the availability of Rapid Diagnostic test kit and use of LLINs for controlling the disease. Dr Kikon stressed on early diagnosis and prompt treatment as key components for malaria prevention.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Wokha, T Lankonsen Tsanglao spoke on the importance of behavioral changes and participation of line department to prevent the disease. Alertness is the key element to stop the transmission and health workers should educate the rural community on disease prevention, he added. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Khesheli Awomi, Epidimiologist who thanked the administration and line department for attending the meeting and hoped that with their active participation, malaria will be eliminated from the district.
The meeting was chaired by Dr K William Humtsoe, District Vector Borne Officer who welcomed the officials from district administration and line department on behalf of the medical department.
