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Kohima, April 24 (MExN): On the eve of World Malaria Day 2021, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland has appealed to the public to continue preventive measures against malaria.
In a press release on Saturday, Joint Director and SPO (in-charge) Dr Neisakho Kere stated that Nagaland has made major progress in the fight against malaria.
“Malaria positive cases in the state have declined from 4,959 in 2010 to 12 positive cases in 2020 and it is with the concerted efforts of all that malaria positive cases have sharply declined over the years and we even stand to achieve complete malaria elimination from the state in the coming years,” the release stated.
It also stated that the NVBDCP had recently distributed 8, 45,529 Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) free of cost to the villages across the state. LLIN is one of the most important intervention in preventing malaria and other vector borne diseases and its correct and daily usage is encouraged within the community to achieve the zero malaria target in the state, it added.
The release further stipulate preventive measures against mosquito breeding such as covering all water storage containers with well fitted lids; removal of all disposable, unused materials lying in and around the house like old tyres, broken pots, crockery or plastic items etc., to prevent water collection, and filling up ditches and unwanted water collection sites in the surroundings.
It recommended the introduction of larvivorous fishes in large water bodies like ponds and fisheries, and informed that larvivorous fishes can be collected from the District Vector Borne Office in Dimapur.
The NVBDCP further advised the public to prevent mosquito bites by sleeping under mosquito nets, preferably under LLINs, use mosquito repellents and wear long sleeved clothing especially when working outside.
“Do not take any fever casually. In case of fever get your blood tested immediately by an ASHA/health worker or at the nearest hospital. If tested positive for malaria take complete course of medicine prescribed to you,” it advised.
