Along with the rest of the world, World Malaria Day (WMD) was celebrated across the state on the theme, “Accelerating the fight Against Malaria for a more equitable World”.
Kohima
Kohima: World Malaria Day 2024 was celebrated at Directorate of Health and Family Welfare(DHFW ) lobby Kohima on April 25.
Principal Director cum Mission Director, NHM, DH&FW Dr. E. Motsuthung Patton in his speech talked about how India has made significant strides in the eradication of Malaria, leading to a drastic reduction in mortality rates.
He also commended the dedicated efforts of Health workers, ASHA workers, and surveillance teams.
Dr. E. Motsuthung Patton also highlighted India’s commitment to the sustainable development goals, particularly the goal of eliminating Malaria by 2030. Adding that this journey had been challenging but a success story. He said districts like Mokokchung, Longleng and Zunheboto had seen significant achievement where no cases of malaria had been reported for the last consecutive 3 years and are on the verge of achieving pre elimination status.
Dr. Patton also stated that the state has seen significant progress in reducing and preventing malaria and urged upon all to renew their commitment to implement strategies to educate communities for malaria free Nagaland.
Felicitation of top 2 best performing Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) and 2 SW (Surveillance Worker) under Kohima District was held. surveillance workers from Kohima district were felicitated; Mhalerovi from (Rusoma/ Chedema) and Diezenuo from (Keyake/ Daklane) bagged the first and second prize respectively under surveillance workers category and kikrusi from (Thizama) and Temsujungla from (A.G.) bagged the first and second prize respectively under ASHA workers category.
(Correspondent)
Dimapur
Dimapur: “World Malaria Day” was observed in Dimapur at the CMO Conference Hall.
A DIPR report stated that, Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, in his speech congratulated the healthcare workers for their hard work in the fight against malaria, and emphasised on the importance of equitable access to healthcare and synchronized global efforts.
Speaking on understanding the impact of mosquitoes on malaria, the DC asserted that, malaria has caused suffering and death for years due to mosquitoes and efforts are needed to eliminate malaria completely, considering factors like migration and spread of the disease. He also addressed the health issues in underserved areas, discussing 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 also said 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.
District Vector Borne Disease Consultant (DVBDC), Dimapur, Peter Sangtam highlighted on the NCVBDC program 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.
CMO Dimapur, Dr. Limatula Aier, delivered a welcome address, emphasizing on the 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 program also included a felicitation ceremony to honour the outstanding performance of the Surveillance Workers (SWs) and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Dimapur District.
Longleng
Longleng: World Malaria Day cum district task force meeting was held in CMO Conference Hall Longleng on April 25, organised by NCVBDC, Longleng.
A Press release by Media Officer CMO office stated that DVBO, Dr. Tiameren Imchen, in his PPT presentation highlighted the status of Malaria in Longleng and said that Longleng marked zero Malaria cases since 2019 till date. In his presentation he also highlighted on key intervention to be undertaken by District for certification in Malaria Elimination and preparation for Malaria Elimination and also encouraged Malaria Elimination team to monitor and supervise whole district and respective Health Units to ascertain certification by DTF and to review and verify the reports to ensure its Quality
Meanwhile, EAC, Imkongnukla Ao, in her short speech stressed about the importance of sanitation and encouraged all attendees to use LLINS regularly, to fill up ditches and unwanted water collection sites in and around the locality.
During the programme, best ASHA and best SW were felicitated with certificates and cash prize.
Similarly, WMD was also observed in all three blocks, Yaongyimchen Village, IR- Chingtok and Buranamsang Government High School, under Longleng, where awareness were given and blood samples collected.
Wokha
Wokha: National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) Wokha organized WMD at CMO Conference Hall Wokha.
District Vector Borne Officer Wokha, Dr. K. William Humtsoe, spoke on significance of the day and highlighted that the day was first instituted by World Health Organization and celebrated internationally in 2008. He urged the gathering to remember the millions of people who lost their lives due to malaria and to create awareness to fight against the disease.
Dr. Humtsoe also informed on the malaria activities such as community cleanup which included removal of mosquito breeding sites and distribution of LLIN mosquito nets.
Speaking on the topic “Fight against Malaria”, CMO, Wokha, Dr Zubenthung Kikon, urged health workers to be alert as malaria was a public health hazard and to sensitize public on the treatment and testing facilities provided by medical department and also sought for active surveillance and collection of blood slits by health workers.
Consultant NVBDCP Wokha, Wezolo Medo, further delivered a brief report on malaria scenario in the district. He mentioned that there was considerable decrease of cases since 2018 and only two cases were reported in 2023.
Meanwhile, accredited ASHA and Surveillance Workers were felicitated for their performance in malaria reporting in the district.
Mon
Mon: Mon district along with other districts observed “World Malaria Day” at Town Council Hall, Mon on Thursday.
ADC, Mon, K. Temjennaro Longkumer graced 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 also exhorted the gathering to approach the people to educate them and work hard with big heart for better impact in our society.
While delivering the welcome address, CMO, Mon Dr. Imnapokim, appreciated the Staffs of Malaria department for their efforts.
He informed that since last three years Mon district has nil reports on Malaria. He also informed that almost all the CHC Mon district have Blood Collection facilities.
DVBO, Mon, DR. Abenthung Murry acknowledged the top two performing ASHAs and SWs.
Phek
Phek: Phek National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) observed WMD with Deputy Commissioner, Phek, John Tsulise Sangtam, as the chief guest, at CMO Conference hall Phek.
Sangtam, in his speech has congratulated health workers for achieving zero Malaria case and encouraged workers to constantly maintain district status as zero Malaria.
He emphasized on the importance of spreading awareness to public on preventive measures to control mosquitoes breeding through which Malaria can be controlled and eliminated.
He further mentioned that Church platforms played important role in spreading awareness to public and he encouraged HCW to make use of the platform.
He later assured that administration would give full support in carrying out awareness activities in the district.
Dy. Chief Medical Officer, Phek, Dr. MC Longai Phom, in his keynote address highlighted the district data and its achievement, also shared on the importance of coordination from other line department to boost up district goal towards elimination of Malaria.
Two best ASHAs and Surveillance Workers were felicitated with certificate and cash prize.
Press Release from Chief Medical Officer’s Office Wokha
Tuensang
Tuensang: World Malaria Day was observed in Tuensang with ADC Tuensang, Thungchanbemo Tungoe as the special guest on April 25 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 to keep the surroundings clean especially water stagnant area, using mosquito repellent and mosquito nets in order to keep diseases like malaria at bay.
CMO Tuensang, Dr. Neisakho Kere, proposed the welcome address while Yimliyangla Ong DVBC, Tuensang spoke on NVBDCP activities.
Mokokchung
Mokokchung: In Mokokchung, WMD was observed at the CMO Conference hall, where Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chumlamo Humtsoe, lauded the medical department and District Vector Borne Disease Control Programme for their effort and accomplishment in the district. He also encouraged the medical team to render their valuable services especially to rural areas without technologies.
Key note address was delivered by consultant, DVBD, Imkummongba Nungtanger, and presented status of Malaria, IEC/ BCC activities, National framework for malaria elimination and importance of case control.
The programme also witnessed facilitation of two best performing ASHAs and best Surveillance Workers.
Kiphire
Kiphire: NVBDCP Kiphire observed WMD at CMO conference hall. In a keynote address, Consultant NVBDCP, Kiphire, Zhokuve Vero, briefed participants on how malaria could spread and encouraged community participation to create awareness and to control the disease.
He also encouraged Surveillance workers and MTS to sensitize and educate villagers to reduce mosquito breeding and to prevent spread of malaria.
In a short speech, District Epidemiologist, Dr. Dheni, spoke on importance of surveillance activities and follow up action and asserted on the importance of proper management of sanitation and hygiene to prevent malaria.
He also highlighted some preventive measures for usages of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) treated mosquito and further pointed for early testing of all fever for early detection of malaria and other vector borne for early treatment.