ITANAGAR: In a major breakthrough, Arunachal Pradesh has not witnessed any malaria-related deaths for the last eight years, as noted by Dr. KT Mulung, Deputy Director of Health Services, at a malaria review meeting on Monday. This achievement is a testimonial to the state's efforts towards the control of malaria.
Dr. Mulung emphasized that the state has succeeded in eliminating malaria, in which the Annual Parasite Index has continually been below 1. Arunachal Pradesh had been awarded the Government of India's certificate of appreciation in 2022 as a best-performing state to prevent malaria.
Between 2022 and 2024, two additional districts were declared malaria-free, increasing the total number of malaria-free districts in the state to 16.
Dr. LS Singh, Senior CMO from the Regional Office of the Union Health & Family Welfare Ministry in Shillong, emphasized the necessity of maintaining an annual blood examination rate above 7. This is vital for effective monitoring, the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets, and enhancing cross-border disease notifications to prevent malaria resurgence.
The conference also addressed the issue of dengue outbreaks, with members calling for it to be classified as a notifiable disease in order to increase surveillance and control.
Family Welfare Director Dr. Marbom Basar praised the NVBDCP team for their dedication and encouraged districts to share best practices. NHM Mission Director Dr. Marge Sora emphasized the need for effective resource management and cautioned against complacency in malaria surveillance, which would result in potential outbreaks.
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