Anti-Malaria month
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 12 2014 :
Under the aegis of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, Manipur State Vector Borne Disease Control Society kick started anti-malaria month 2014 at Town Hall, Saikul today.
Inaugurating the campaign, which would see a series of awareness programmes till September-October this year, Irrigation and Flood Control and Printing and Stationery Minister Ngamthang Haokip said that there is need to distribute chemically treated mosquito nets to villagers who reside in interior areas to avoid mosquito bites and prevent malaria outbreak.
The Minister said that two types of malaria are generally prevalent in some interior areas of the State.
Necessary preventive measures like fogging and distribution of anti-malaria chemicals must be followed through at these areas, he added.
Speaking on Government's developmental programmes, the Minister said that development works are being executed equally irrespective of regional difference.
Contending that Saikul area has seen lots of development in the recent time, the Minister said that Chief Minister Okram Ibobi is closely monitoring the progress of the bridge being constructed at Molkom considering its significance.
As such, the Chief Minister had cleared the liability amount of around Rs One crore for the said work, Ngamthang Haokip said that development works are being executed peacefully with a good understanding while adding that the same would continue in future as well.
Maintaining that all the development works require people and civil society organisations' co-operation, the Minister emphasised on maintaining understanding among villagers as well as organisations.
Delivering his speech, ROH & FW Regional Director Dr LA Singh said that people must use mosquito nets while sleeping as mosquito bites generally occur between 8 pm to 4 am.
Cautioning that malaria outbreak generally occurs every 10 years, Dr LA Singh said that Tamenglong and Chandel were the most affected districts in the outbreak of 2004 .
Saying that the disease might also spread in other districts, Dr LA Singh further cautioned that malaria outbreak might return this year again.
The function, presided by State Malaria Officer Dr T Zamkhokam Kuki, was attended by Saikul AC MLA Yamthong Haokip and Chief Medical Officer Dr Loli Mao as guests of honour.