Manipur is on the verge of achieving “zero malaria status” by the end of the current year (2021), nine-years ahead of the national target of eliminating the tropical disease. India’s target to eliminate the disease is 2030.
Addressing the media on Saturday on the eve of the World Malaria Day, Manipur Malaria Officer (MO), Dr Rahaman said that the spread of malaria in the state is very low compared to other parts of the country. The topographical feature of the state is one of the main reasons behind low spread of the tropical disease, he said. Of the 16 districts of the state, except in Churachandpur and Noney districts, there were no cases of malaria in other districts. In these two districts also only one or two cases were being detected, the state MO said, and added that currently staff of the district’s malaria offices of the district are conducting malaria elimination campaigns to achieve the target.
Dr Rahaman then said that malaria is not a dangerous and contagious disease even though it is a life-threatening disease. It is caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable, he added.
The MO then appealed to the people to go to the nearest state healthcare centre if a symptom of malaria like fever is developed. Free testing and treatment facilities are being given by the government, he added.
Sustainable vector control and case management interventions have played a pivotal role in malaria control leading to elimination. Almost all the healthcare centres including private hospitals are being involved in the eradication campaign of the disease, the MO also said.
World Malaria Day or WMD is observed on April 25 every year. This year’s theme is ‘Reaching the zero malaria targets’. On this day, WHO is celebrating the achievement of those countries that are on the verge to eliminate the disease.
Between 2000 and 2014, the number of malaria-related deaths fell by 40% worldwide, the world has made historic progress against malaria, saving millions of lives, the MO said.
NNN