Imphal, June 01 2009: State health and family welfare minister, Ph Parijat today said that lack of corporation from the people, malaria eradication programmes taken up by the state health department could not be successful in the state.

The minister expressed his observation speaking as chief guest at the inaugural function of the month long anti-malaria campaign programme organized by the Manipur State Vector Borne Disease Control Society held at Kangla hall, Imphal.

The function was presided by director of health services Dr W Motilal.

Former additional director of health services now retired from service Dr Daballo and secretary, secretary Manipur state Voluntary Health Association, N Sharat attended as guest of honours of the function.

Further speaking on the occasion, Parijat said to eradicate malaria, corporation and support of the people is much needed.

The department alone could not eradicate it.

Earlier, government implement a programme called Malaria Eradication Programme but it had been suspended due to lack of people's corporation.

The presently ongoing control programme is not for eradication but aimed at reduction of the infection by this disease.

He also informed that to detect malaria and other diseases en-masse, 100 multipurpose workers have been appointed and they have started works for taking blood for testing the disease.

Giving key note address, state malaria officer Dr H Nimaichand said that malaria is a disease for the poor as a man become poor by this disease.

The disease is found affected mostly to the people living in the remote areas where there is bad road communication and other health facilities.

Around two million people are infected by the disease in the country and killed around 2000 people in a year.

Out of this 2000 people, 10 percent are from the rural areas.

In Manipur too around 163 persons died of malaria in the last around 20 years.

Most people wanted to spray DDT in their houses instead of spraying in the surrounding.

As the same has no effect at all.

Instead of spraying inside the house, it is better not to use the chemical, he observed.

During the month long anti-malaria campaign, various programmes like state level advocacy meeting, panel discussion, role of media, quiz competition street play and awareness programme to 10 schools each in every district will be held, said the organizers.

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