Panaji, June 26, 2017 …. Directorate of Health Services has appealed to the public to take preventive measures to check the transmission of malaria and other vector borne diseases. Anti Malaria month is observed every year in the month of June throughout the country to enhance the level of awareness and encourage community participation through mass media campaigns and inter-personal communication.
It also aims at consolidating inter-sectoral collaborative efforts with other Government Departments like Rural and Urban Development, Agriculture, PWD, Irrigation, Education, local bodies etc. Voluntary agencies also participate in the campaign.
The Anti Malaria Month (AAM) campaign would focus on prevention and control of malaria as well as other vector borne diseases. State of Goa is also in the process of elimination of Malaria.
Malaria and other vector borne diseases viz, Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis and Lymphatic Filariasis are expected to rise during the monsoon and post monsoon periods due to the increase in the number of monsoon related mosquito breeding sites.
The vector mosquitoes spreading malaria and other vector borne diseases breed in man-made breeding sites created by developmental activities, industrialization, lifestyle changes, population migration as well as housing environment and water management deficiencies.
In this regard, it is emphasized that the elimination of breeding sites by removing stagnant water bodies, solid wastes, coconut shells, tyres, broken utensils/buckets/bottles/open water tanks/drums and any other structures which can hold rain water and provide active breeding sites is of utmost importance.
Public are therefore advised that weekly cleaning and drying of water containers and room coolers be carried out for reduction in mosquito breeding sites.
Extensive information, education and communication (IEC) activities through Advocacy Workshops for social mobilization of the community on preventive measures and destroying breeding habitats through cleanliness drives are being observed under all the Health Centres in the state.
