Every year, August 20 is observed as the “World Mosquito Day” to raise awareness about the illness and disease caused by mosquitos. In Mon, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), under chief medical officer (CMO), Mon observed the day under “anti-malaria month” on the theme “reaching the zero-malaria target”.
In a press release, district vector borne officer Mon, Dr. Lolekhol Pucho informed that the day was observed in Tuimei village, T Angnyu village, Wakching village, Jakphang village, Choknyu village and Shamnyu village where activities such as advocacy and dissimilation of IEC materials, awareness, poster campaign, proper use of LLIN, house to house visit, collection of blood samples, etc., were conducted.
Dr. Lolekhol Pucho said that a primary and important step towards combating the problem of mosquito-borne diseases was taking preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites.
In this regard, Dr. Lolekhol informed that puddles, containers and anything that retains water should be covered or cleaned on a regular basis to prevent mosquito breeding.
Object discarded in open locations that gather rainwater must be removed and logged gutters and flat roofs with inadequate drainage should be checked and cleaned on a regular basis, the release informed.