Malaria to be eliminated in Manipur by 2020

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, March 25, 2018: Under the Intensified Malaria Control Project (IMCP), state is aiming to be the first malaria-free state in India by 2020. This was stated by T. Kamini Singh, biologist at National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme at the one-day media sensitisation programme on prevention and control of vector borne diseases held at conference hall of State Malaria office.

Kamini said the numbers of malaria cases have decreased drastically since 2014 with 145 cases to 80 cases in 2017 and two cases have been recorded so far for this year 2018. He further stated that there have been no death cases from malaria since 2013.

There are two PHCs in Pherzawl district with relevance of malaria cases. The places are inaccessible during the rainy season and because of that, the annual parasite incidence (API) is high, said Kamini. “If the API of Pherzawl district have been maintained to one or less than one incidence, Manipur will be free of malaria” he quoted.

But he also pointed out that if the state government officials can put good amount of emphasis like done for tuberculosis, it can be easily eliminated.

Dr. Th. Surchandra Singh, state nodal officer of Manipur state vector borne disease control society said that personal prevention is the best to stay away from vector borne diseases such as malaria, dengue and Japanese Encephalitis.

He urged that if there are any symptoms of these sickness with high fever with chills, headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting, uneasiness, weakness and lethargy, then one should immediately visit medical facilities like ASHAs, primary health centres, sub centres and get blood test and treatment.

The speakers of this advocacy meeting also highlighted the causes and treatment of vector borne diseases today. Media personnel from both electronic and print media took part in the said occasion.