Advocacy meet on vector borne diseases in Dimapur

DIMAPUR: An advocacy meeting on Prevention and Control of Vector Borne Diseases was held at the CMO’s Conference Hall, Dimapur on July 9, organised in observance of Anti Dengue Month with focus on Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts, particularly in areas that had reported dengue cases earlier.
The meeting was attended by community leaders from urban areas under Dimapur district.
Addressing the gathering, DPO CD I Dr. Ayangla Saku stressed that prevention and control of vector borne diseases required active community participation and could not be achieved by government efforts alone. She called upon all stakeholders to unite in tackling dengue, malaria and Japanese Encephalitis.
Consultant DVBD Heanglih T. Konyak presented yearly trends of malaria, dengue and JE cases from 2022 to 2026, while Assistant Director UVBDS Kikolu Khieya briefed on the current situation in the district.
It was highlighted that unplanned urban growth and accumulation of rainwater had created favourable conditions for mosquito breeding.
Joint Director & State Programme Officer, NVBDCP Dr. Imnapokim noted that scientists linked the sharp rise in dengue cases in 2023 to the El Niño effect, cautioning that similar conditions this year could trigger another surge.
He urged community leaders to promote preventive measures such as sleeping under bed nets, using repellents, wearing full sleeved clothing, and conducting cleanliness drives.
He also suggested releasing larvivorous fish in local water bodies to control mosquito breeding. For immediate assistance in malaria cases, the public was advised to contact NVBDCP at 7630932587.
During the technical session, participants were informed that source reduction remains the most effective approach, urging communities to clear water holding containers, cover stored water and maintain clean surroundings.
Regular cleanliness drives at colony level were recommended, while the public was advised to use mosquito nets, repellents and seek timely testing at health facilities, with dengue confirmation to be done only through ELISA testing.