Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), the only malaria-causing parasite leading to death, is on the rise in Jharkhand. As per the latest data of State Health department, around 38,263 pf cases were reported in 2013 which has increased to 46,448 cases in 2014.
However, most of the cases regarding the PF are known to be in the initial phases which can be cured completely. The State Health department is preparing a strategy to spread awareness on the disease besides, other types of malaria and its preventive measures. Health Department’s Principal Secretary K Vidyasagar, during a programme on World Malaria Day at Institute of Public Health, Namkum on Saturday, said the data validation of PF cases through blood tests for malaria has reduced. “We have to improve the compilation of data for Falciparum cases,” a Health Officer said.
Official sources indicated the cases might be more as the compilation of such data from village level to cities has been lacking in the recent scenario. “Government is yet to prepare the accurate data on number of PF cases,” said sources.
“The four steps of preventing PF malaria includes Early Diagnostic Complete Treatment, Integrated Vector Control method, Information Education and Communication (IEC) with Behaivoural Change Communication (BCC), Training and Capacity Building. The residents across the State as well as the government need to be aware on the symptoms and blood tests for malaria,” said sources.
Notably, the treatment and medicines for malaria are provided by the government at free of cost. Rapid Diagnostic Kits are available in Community Health Centres, Hospitals and Anganwadis. In order to implement the strategy, Vidyasagar advised the health representatives from 24 districts to stress on the broadcasting and communication of Malaria like that done for Pulse Polio Campaigns.
He stressed on the rational deployment of employees and felt it is important to fulfill the process of recruitment for vacant posts within the next three months. “Monitoring the availability of medicines for malaria in all the health centres is important. Also, people must be monitored about the awareness on malaria,” said Vidyasagar. For creating awareness at the grassroot level, the Principal Secretary told the participants to involve school goers, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya and Colleges in conducting the malaria related awareness activities in rural and urban areas. “We must have Inter-Sector Convergence level and strengthen capacity building like training more Sahiyas,” said Vidyasagar.
As part of the Integrated Vector Control Method, he instructed participants to monitor the DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) spraying at each locality commencing from May. Fighting against Malaria was among the important agendas of the Health department’s review meeting held under Chief Minister Raghubar Das a few days ago.