Health min underlines role of people in eradicating malaria

SHILLONG, April 27: Amidst the observance of World Malaria Day 2023 here on Thursday, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh outlined the need to completely eradicate malaria by making people aware about their role in combating this deadly disease.
Addressing a gathering at a programme, Lyngdoh said that the department has made commendable efforts to ensure a decrease in malaria cases from 2015 till date.
She reiterated the pledge to eliminate malaria by 2030 to the participants of the programme.
Recalling that there have been eight deaths due to malaria in the state in the past few years, Lyngdoh emphasised that the fatalities must not increase.
Talking about people’s participation in this fight, Ampareen said that without the public playing their role in addressing the vulnerabilities, the situation will not see drastic improvement.
The minister has expressed concern over open drains, ponds as well as garbage.
She underlined the need for convergence between various line departments.
“It is important to have a workable model to be able to involve the various line departments like PWD and Urban Affairs in this fight against malaria,” she said.
The Health minister also pointed out that Shillong is a hotspot for breeding of mosquitoes, while terming this as a challenge.
In the wake of malaria deaths in Meghalaya dropping from 40 in 2015 to just three last year, the state government is now moving from the intensified control phase to the elimination phase of the disease.
“We have managed to achieve this milestone with early detection of the diseases at village level and complete treatment of all cases besides distributing mosquito nets in areas identified as vulnerable to the outbreak,” a senior official stated.
An analysis of the state epidemiological situation from 1997 to 2019 revealed that the highest number of deaths due to malaria was reported in 2007 with 237 deaths in one year. Out of this, 117 deaths were reported in West Garo Hills alone.