Ziro, Jul 25 : A three-day State Level Review meeting on National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) started today here at the Conference Hall of a private hotel.

Regional Director, Health and Family Welfare, Guwahati Dr. Partha Jyoti Gogoi stressed on the need for a concerted effort from all stakeholders including ASHAs, MPWs, Anganwadi workers and medical fraternity to eradicate vector borne diseases. Stating that prevention is the best option,  he reiterated that medical infrastructure should be strengthened and manpower, specially lab technicians should be adequately trained along with massive awareness campaigns and IEC activities. “Early detection, followed by prompt and complete treatment will in a long way help in controlling the vector borne diseases,” he added. “Non performing MPWs and MTS and other paramedical staff should be reprimanded and notified to the higher authorities for further course of action,” he added, while asking the DPOs of the vertical programs and NHM to report such cases.

Director, Family Welfare cum SPO (NVBDCP), GoAP Dr. Alok Yirang, gave a Power Point Presentation on various programmes under NVBDCP. While summing up the Annual Parasite Incidence (API) report of the entire state, he informed that the state average is below 2, which is a good indicator. “Malaria positive cases have gone down from 6080 in 2014 to 108 cases till June 2019 with no malarial deaths since 2017. Keeping in view of the state’s target to eliminate malaria by 2025, which is five years ahead of the national target, he further added that coordination along with API-wise stratification of every village and sub centre, early diagnosis, investigation, follow up and complete treatment is the key to eradicate vector borne diseases. “To achieve this target, Malaria Elimination Task Force has been constituted at the state, district and block levels and a Rapid Action Task Force is also in place to tackle any endemic scenario,” Dr. Yirang highlighted. He also added that these task forces are inter-sectoral and a strong political will with absolute coordination between all stakeholder departments is necessary.

Touching upon Japanese Encephalitis, he informed that 44 cases have been reported so far in the state, out of which 38 cases are from East Siang, 2 cross reports from Meghalaya and 1 from Assam. Precautionary measures have been widely circulated and directives had been issued to all DCs and DMOs to create awareness about the disease at the district levels as well, he further informed.

During the technical session, the District Project Officers gave Power Point Presentations on the status of NVBDCP and highlighted the issues faced in the implementation process at grass root levels.

DC cum Chairman District Health Society Chukhu Takar, DMO Dr. Tage Kanno, State Consultants (NVBDCP) and consultants of all the districts also attended the meeting which will continue till July 27. DIPRO