Imphal, June 01 2009: Inaugurating launch of Anti-Malaria Month during a function here today, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ph Parijat has called upon the people for co-operation with the Government in eradicating the scourge of Malaria that has been claiming many lives in the State every year.

As in other part of the country, Anti-Malaria month has also been launched from today in Manipur under the aegis of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.

Speaking as chief guest of the function held at Kangla Hall here, Parijat observed that Nationwide efforts are being made to eradicate Malaria and other vector borne diseases like Japanese Encephalitis, Dengue, etc under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.

However, in Manipur, it is still in the stage of controlling these dreadful diseases.

Even if the Government has appointed State Malaria Officer, District Malaria Officer, lack of awareness among the general population has been a serious challenge to the efforts of controlling and eradicating Malaria in Manipur, Parijat acknowledged.

To take care of this problem, the service of 361 health workers have been requisition for early detection and prompt treatment of Malaria cases apart from setting up 702 Fever Treatment Depots in remote areas of the State even as around 3000 Accredited Social Health Workers (ASHAs) have been assisting in detection of malaria cases and distribution of medicines among the patients, the Health Minister informed the gathering, adding that adequate Rapid Diagnostic Test kits and other necessary medicines for treatment of Malaria have also been provided.

From the side of the Manipur State Vector Borne Disease Control Society which is organising the Anti-Malaria Month in the State the public have been encouraged to not to keep any stagnant water bodies which could serve as the breeding ground of mosquitos near the house, to ensure use of mosquito nets during sleep at night, consult the ASHAs or the health workers in case of fever, to get blood tested and take medicine in time.

On the programmes to be launched during the month-long observance, State Malaria Officer Dr H Nimaichand informed that apart from State Level Inter Sectoral Advocacy Meeting, Panel Discussion, Advocacy Meeting for Mediapersons, State Level Quiz Competition and Street Plays, awareness programmes for the school students and Self Help Groups at the district level would be organised.

In continuation of the function, a 15-minute short play titled 'Lairembi Anopheles' was also staged at the occasion, which was also attended by Director of Health Services Dr W Motilal, Secretary of Manipur Voluntary Health Association Sarat and Dr Dhaballo were guests of honour.

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