Stressing on India’s goal to eliminate malaria by 2030, state health & welfare minister P Paiwang Konyak on Saturday said that the National vector borne disease control programme (NVBDCP) in the state has been progressing steadily towards a malaria-free Nagaland.
Speaking at the regional review meeting of Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) states at Niathu Resort on Saturday, health minister said that the journey towards malaria elimination programme over the years had witnessed a sharp decline in malaria morbidity and mortality.
He informed that in 2009, malaria health workers under NVBDCP Nagaland, detected 8489 malaria cases and 35 lives were lost to the dreaded disease in the same year. He, however, said that with the support of the global fund and the directorate NCVBDC, the state has been able to bring down the malaria cases. He said that there had been no malaria deaths since 2017.
Health minister also informed that three districts—Mokokchung, Longleng and Zunheboto—have been very successful in the malaria control programme in the last three years. He also said that seven out of 16 districts have not detected any malaria positive in 2022.
In this regard, Paiwang acknowledged various stakeholders involved in making it possible and expressed hope that the trend to continue.
The minister said that the emerging trends of other vector borne diseases like Japanese Encephalitis and Dengue have been observed in the state.
He said that the aim was to be more alert, cautious and identify early signals to help prevent any further spread or prevent any mortality and morbidity that could arises.
Health minister has, therefore, called upon all responsible to be informative, practical and fruitful in order to make better policy to achieve the goal of malaria elimination by 2030.
In his welcome address, commissioner & secretary H&FW, Y Kikheto Sema, said that India being one of the most diverse countries of the world, it was not an easy to manage. However, he appreciated the regional meeting where issues of a similar nature could be discussed for better delivery system. He Sema called for having constant coordination, cooperation, confidence and contribution and to have awareness campaign, cleanliness drive involving all section of the people. He also encouraged all the states to work hard to achieve the target to eliminate malaria by 2030.
Joint secretary (VDB), MoHFW, Rajiv Manjhi, said that the present review of the project was to keep a close watch on the activities and initiate connective measures, at appropriate time.
He mentioned that GFATM has supported and contributed almost 55% of total reported cases of malaria in North East states. He said that Mizoram and Tripura have recorded poor performance. Therefore, he urged all to work hard to ensure that the incidence of malaria was brought down to a significant number.
NCVBDC, MoHFW, director Dr. Tanu Jain; (VBD), MoHFW, joint secretary, Rajiv Manjhi and additional secretary & mission director (NHM) MoHFW, Roli Singh also gave short speeches.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by principal director, H&FW, Dr. Vibeituonuo M. Sachu and vote of thanks was proposed by mission director NHM, Dr. Ritu Thurr.
