SHILLONG: In its bid to eradicate malaria from the country by 2030, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Baghmara, organised a training programme for ASHAs on ‘Malaria and other Vector-Borne diseases’ at Siju Primary Health Centre on Thursday.
Last month, Siju area had reported the high spike of malaria cases.
Interacting with the ASHAs, Dr Bonny D Shira, District Malaria Officer (DMO), South Garo Hills, informed that out of the 200 malaria positive cases in July, 52 were from Siju — which is 1/4th of the total cases. He also informed that the number of cases could climb futher if more tests are conducted.
Siju is a mountainous area where people adapt in their areca or cashew garden far from the common hamlet and since the rainwater can remain stagnant in areca leaves, it increases mosquito breeding and the chances of being infected with malaria.
While explaining the causes and symptoms of malaria and its prevention, the DMO urged the ASHAs to mobilise the village people to clear all stagnant water and cover the water tanks and septic tanks, which are likely places for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Other than malaria, rearing of hogs and cows close to the house increases the chance of getting Japanese Encephalitis, he added. The DMO gave a demo on how to use the RD Kit and made the ASHAs give it a go as practical learning too, during the session. He also taught them how to prescribe medicine for malaria positive patients according to the age groups. The medicine used to cure malaria is ACTAL, Chloroquine and primaquine.
The DMO ordered all the ASHAs to conduct more tests and said based on the tests conducted they will get their incentives which is Rs 15 per test, for which the kits will be supplied from the district.
The Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) will also be distributed in coming weeks to the village people, which will protect the people from a mosquitoes while sleeping.
