Initiative to Eradicate Malaria in Garo Hills
On March 7, Tura witnessed a significant initiative to eliminate Malaria nationally by 2030 and by 2027 specifically in the Garo Hills. This plan involves the distribution of Long Lasting Insecticidal Mosquito Nets (LLINs), an instrumental tool in the fight against malaria. This move goes in line with the upcoming malaria season in the region, as reported by our source.
Agatha K Sangma Spearheads The Initiative
Agatha K Sangma, Member of Parliament for Tura Lok Sabha seat, was seen distributing LLINs at the Babadam primary health centre. The distribution was a part of a program organised by the District Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (DVBDCP) of West Garo Hills, Tura. The aim behind the massive distribution is to help suppress the surge and spread of malaria, a disease that has recently observed a significant decrease in cases due to aggressive governmental interventions.
Decline in Malaria Cases Thanks to Government’s Intervention
Government initiatives have contributed to a significant reduction in malaria cases, from 46,000 cases in 2015 to an all-time low recently. One such initiative includes the distribution of LLINs starting from 2010-11, particularly after distributions held in 2016 and 2020. However, recent observations in 2022 and 2023 indicated a surge in cases following the expiry of nets distributed previously.
The Ministry of Health’s Response
In response to the surge in malaria cases, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has allocated more LLINs. This allocation is meant to cover approximately 80% of the community in Meghalaya. The ministry’s initiative forms part of the ‘National framework for Malaria Elimination from 2016 to 2030’, which aims to solve the malaria issue by 2030. A crucial objective of this framework is to address the indigenous strain of malaria in Garo Hills by 2027.
Community Participation Needed
Active participation from the community is urged for the successful implementation of this initiative. The community members are encouraged to get tested for malaria if they experience any symptoms. They are also reminded to maintain cleanliness around their surroundings as a preventive measure to discourage mosquito breeding thus reducing the rise of malaria infections.
