Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jun 23: With an aim to control the spread of malaria through awareness, ‘Anti- Malaria Month 2018’ campaign was held at Ravindra Kala Mantap, MGM College Kunjibettu, Udupi here on Friday, June 22.
The programme was jointly organised by district administration, zilla panchayat, District Health and Family Welfare department, Vector-borne Diseases Controlling Office, Udupi, Lions Club Udupi-Karavali and Lions Club Kallianpur, Udupi.
“The awareness about vector borne disease must begin from scrap shops, tender coconut selling shops and areas where water is usually stored. The outbreaks of Malaria are higher in Malpe, as water is polluted due to decomposition of fish in storage places. There is a need to keep ones surrounding clean,” stressed Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat.
He also appreciated the efforts of the departments as statistics show that the cases of Malaria are reducing every year in the district. “The cases of Malaria are reducing. The mindset of the people has to be changed regarding sanitation issues. Cleanliness should begin at home. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a vision of achieving Swachh Bharat by 2022. For this, NGO’s and other organisations have to join hands with this cleaning campaign and work even more aggressively. Let the malaria cases come to zero. For this public must cooperate,” he said.
“The NGOs and other organisations must join their hands with district administration and work towards eradicating malaria. The mosquito nets should be distributed to rural areas,” said Udupi zilla panchayat President Dinakar Babu.
Vice President of Udupi ZP Sheela K Shetty released handbills that create awareness on Malaria and its control. “The eradication of Malaria is possible only if every citizen is motivated. The Udupi district has achieved many laurels but failed in waste management,” she regretted.
Dr Premananda K, the district Vector Borne Disease Control Officer delivered the keynote address. “The number of malaria cases reported in the district has reduced drastically when compared to the previous year. Around 53,218 blood smear samples were taken till May 2018, out of which, 26 were tested positive. Three were falciparum malaria cases. Till May, new 15 cases were added. Around 44 cases are reported this year. Most of the cases are found in areas nearing Malpe harbor, Thenkapete and behind Women’s and Children hospital. Most of the cases are due to lack of sanitation. Till June, 18 new cases have been added. Around 13 cases were reported at Koteshwar. The affected are construction labourers from Bihar, UP, Assam Haveri and Bagalkot. The Vector-borne disease control department will reach the target of making zero cases in Udupi by next month by organising various awareness programmes,” he said.
As part of the Anti- Malaria month 2018, an awareness rally was held by students of different nursing colleges and Rotary club.
The rally began at Clock tower and concluded at MGM college campus.
Harish Poojary from Lions Club Udupi- Karavali, Nery Cornelio from Lions club, Kallianpur, Sapna Suresh, GST Coodinator P A Bhat were present. Devappa Patagar rendered the vote of thanks. K Krishnappa compered the programme.