In order to create awareness about vector borne diseases, the State Health Department in collaboration with Global Health Strategies (GHS) organised a virtual media workshop on Wednesday. State Programme Officer Vector Borne Diseases, Government of Jharkhand Dr B Marandi, World Health Organisation State Coordinator of National Tropical Diseases (NTD) Dr Devendra Tomar, Project Concern International Mohammad Kalam Khan and GHS representatives were a part of it.
Under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, National Anti Malaria Control Programme, National Filaria Eradication Programme and Kala-azar Eradication Programme are also run.
In view of the geographical location of Jharkhand, people need to be protected from vector borne diseases espically during the monsoon season. In this regard, as per the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the State government is carrying out various important activities.
World Health Organisation State Coordinator NTD Dr Devendra Tomar gave detailed information about the updated status of vector borne diseases in the State and also informed that as per the guidelines all preparation have been done in the State.
“MDA programme have been ongoing in all the districts even during the Corona crisis and all stakeholders are contributing. We hope that with the joint efforts of all, we will be able to eradicate diseases like Filaria and Kala- azar from our State soon,” said Tomar.
“During the time of the pandemic, the State Government is committed to control the spread of vector borne diseases. Even during this time, to prevent the spread of Kala- azar successful spraying of pesticides was done in four districts of Jharkhand in May and June. Along with this, the State government is also running a programme for prevention of vector borne diseases like malaria, filaria so that they can be collectively controlled,” said Marandi.
Marandi further informed that Mass Drug Administration programme will be conducted through trained drug administrators in 17 districts for eradication of Filaria from August 10 to August 17. “The event will be run at booths following all social distancing norms. From August 13 to August 20, door to door distribution of the medicine will be done. Apart from children below 2- years of age, pregnant women and seriously ill people, all will be required to take the drug.”
Marandi also stated that a yellow card is given to the patients of Kala- azar as well as those suspected from it so that they do not have to stand in line for treatment at any government hospital in the affected districts.
Anuj Ghosh from GHS urged the media representative to work in creating awareness among the people so that every section of the society can get information and benefit from government schemes.
Kalam Khan stated that in order to eradicate Filaria it is necessary that more people take medicines during MDA.