Mizoram: At least 85 people have died of malaria in the state since 2013

AIZAWL, April 26, 2018: At least 85 people have died of malaria in Mizoram since 2013. However, the death rate has decreased by 55.56 per cent, a statement from the Mizoram Government said on World Malaria Day.

In 2017, about 5,715 people were found to be suffering from malaria and 4 people died of the disease in the same year. During the current year till March, at least 426 people were identified with malaria.

Dr. F. Lallianhlira, Principal Director of Health and Family Welfare said that the State Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (SVBDCP) is actively being pursued in the State in order to reduce malaria case. He also said that along with malaria control programme, the government also launched fight against dengue and chikungunya on a war footing. He added that Intensified Malaria Elimination Project (IMEP) is being launched under Global Funds for AIDS, TB & Malaria (GFATM) to eliminate malaria from Mizoram by 2030.

Meanwhile, Mizoram on Wednesday joined the rest of the world in observing World Malaria Day across the State to raise awareness of malaria and to rejuvenate the fight against this preventable and treatable disease. This year's theme of the observation is 'Ready to beat malaria.'

In Aizawl, the observance of World Malaria Day was held at High School Field, McDonald Hill, in Zarkawt locality. The event was graced by Mizoram Health minister Lal Thanzara, who also flagged off a bike rally being organized in view of the World Malaria Day.

Speaking on the occasion, Lal Thanzara said the State government is taking massive efforts to make Mizoram malaria free by 2030.

Quoting the World Health Organisation (WHO) report, the Health minister said that about 213 millions of the world population suffered from malaria in 2016 and 4 lakh people died due to the mosquito borne disease during the same year. He said that malaria can be life-threatening if left untreated, but is curable if detected early and treated properly. He then asked people to use mosquito nets and ointments to be protected themselves from mosquito bite. The minister then claimed that the State Health department had distributed about 5.29 lakh Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) to families across the State in 2016.

The minister then asked people to immediately rush to government hospitals, public health centres, community health centres and sub-centres if detected with symptoms of malaria for quick treatment.

Source: Morung Express

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