Meet to tackle vector-borne diseases held in Dimapur

An advocacy meeting on the prevention and control of vector borne diseases for Dimapur district was held on August 6 at Chapel Hall, District Hospital Dimapur.
Officials from the health and veterinary departments, ASHAs, and community representatives attended the meeting and discussed on collaborative strategies to combat diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Japanese Encephalitis (JE).
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, stressed the importance of coordinated efforts between the health department, allied agencies, and the public in eliminating vector borne diseases. He noted that recent floods caused by heavy rainfall have heightened the risk of disease outbreaks and emphasized the need for public awareness on preventive measures.
Dr. Chang urged health personnel and community leaders present to disseminate the knowledge gained during the meeting to help curb the spread of diseases. He also expressed appreciation to health workers, ASHAs, and grassroots-level contributors, assuring that the district administration would extend full support in the ongoing efforts.
Consultant DVBDC, Peter Sangtam, presented an overview of dengue, JE, and malaria cases in the district. He highlighted the significant drop in dengue cases from 2034 in 2023 to just 3 in 2024, attributing the success to joint efforts by the government and public. He called on all stakeholders to continue playing an active role in disease prevention.
Assistant Entomologist, Lhouti Tsuzuh, shared insights into the department’s activities and challenges in controlling vector borne diseases. Chief Veterinary Officer, Dimapur, Dr. Keyekhweshe Kepfoh, elaborated on the veterinary department’s role in managing JE, explaining that pigs act as amplifiers of the virus while waterbirds serve as reservoirs. He emphasized mosquito control and pig vaccination as key preventive measures, and noted that veterinary field investigations serve as early warning systems for potential outbreaks.
The programme was chaired by Dr. A. Kavito Zhimomi, DPO, CD-I/DSO. Welcome address was delivered by Dr. George Thirah, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Dimapur, and vote of thanks by Dr. Philip Kent, Deputy Chief Medical Officer.
Among those present were Dr. Yetovi Tuccu, Chief Medical Officer Dimapur; Dr. Yartenla Jamir, Chief Medical Officer Chümoukedima; Dr. Lhishelo, District Programme Officer NLEP/NCD; Dr. Michael Imti Imchen, Deputy Director, Veterinary Hospital; Dr. Sentinungla Ao, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer; along with staff from CMO, MS, and CVO offices, ASHAs under Urban and Sadar Block, and community representatives from Dimapur district.