Anti-Malaria month observation kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 29 2011: Anti-Malaria Month Observation, 2010 has begun from today in Imphal East district.

The inaugural function of the month-long observation being organised under the aegis of Imphal East District Vector Borne Disease Control Society was held at the office premises of Chief Medical Officer, Imphal East district today.

Delivering the key note address, District Malaria Officer, Imphal East District Dr Kh Indra Singh pointed out that 207 cases of Malaria have been reported in 2006 and 200 positive cases in 2007.But no death claims from Malaria have been reported in these two years.

However, in 2008, 195 positive cases of Malaria and one death claim have been reported.

In 2009 and 2010, 148 and 121 positive cases have been reported respectively.

But no death claims.

Dr Indra went on to inform that for the current 2011, from January to June, Malaria surveillance has reported a total of 14 positive cases including one each from Akampat, Heingang and Yaingangpokpi, two from Andro and nine from Jiribam sub-division.

As for Japanese Encephalitis, Dr Indra recalled that 22 suspected cases have surfaced out of which only one was reported positive in 2007.Similarly, in 2009, 48 suspected cases have been detected but only one was positive.

But in 2010, out of 27 suspected cases, five were confirmed positives and four were reported death.

For the current, 2010, only three suspected cases have been reported so far, out of which has been confirmed positive.

He explained that Vector Borne Disease Programme started in Manipur in 2005 and it covers five vector borne diseases.

Of these five vector borne diseases, Malaria can be spread from one infected person to another but Japanese Encephalitis does not.

It is spread through Pigs and wild birds.

Dr Indra said that if there is any fever case, people should check whether it is Malaria or not for early treatment, for which the Malaria department would be providing the medicines free of cost.

He also informed that for this year only 50 litres of Deltamethrin, which is used in net treatment, has been given for Imphal East out of 1000 litres provided to the Malaria Department as annual quota for net treatment.

Out of the 50 litre, 38 litres have been distributed in Malaria outbreak prone areas like Bashikhong, Heingang, Jiribam, etc.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, Chief Medical Officer of Imphal East Dr Momota Mukherjee noted that Anti-Malaria month is normally observed every year throughout June.

But this year, there has been some delay.

She said that among the vector borne diseases, Japanese Encephalitis is most dangerous as infection from is normally fatal and if lucky to be survived, the patient could become handicap for the rest of his/her life.

So, the duty of Medical staff in prevention of such fatal diseases is very important.

Under the National Rural Health Mission, ASHAs should also join hands with the local clubs in detecting possible Malaria cases so necessary treatment in the nearest Community Health Centres or Primary Health Centres, and if treatment is not possible there, then the patients should be referred to the referral hospitals, she explained.

DACO Imphal East Dr M Birachandra, who presided over the inaugural function, pointed out that Malaria cases have been reported mostly from Jiribam and Moreh.

He suggested that instead of handing over the responsibility of Anti-Malaria campaign for Jiribam to NGOs, it would be better for the staff of the Malaria Department to take up the task themselves.

District Family Welfare Officer, Imphal East Dr RK Tilotama Devi and DTO Imphal East Dr A Dharma-mukta Singh were also present and spoke at the occasion as guests of honour.

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