GUWAHATI, April 25 - The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Assam, observed World Malaria Day in the State today. The theme of World Malaria Day this year was �Zero Malaria Starts with Me�.
Keeping this in mind, streetplays, cycle rallies, rallies by students and awareness meetings were organised, among others, in different districts of the State, said an official press release issued here this evening.
Last year, Udalguri was identified as the most high-malaria-risk-district with the number of malaria cases shooting up there beyond 2,000. Since then, the State and district teams have been working closely, applying different strategies. To check the outbreak of malaria, IEC-BCC materials and activities have been developed and carried out, said the press release.
In a statement issued here this evening, the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) stated that it observed World Malaria Day in the city in association with the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC).
On the occasion, a brief function was organised at the Lakhipriya Devi Baruani Children Park on the Mother Teresa Road in Narikalbari area of the city. GMC Commissioner Debeswar Malakar took part in the function along with health department officials.
In his address, Malakar laid stress on the need to make people aware of the mosquito-borne diseases and general cleanliness. He also underlined the significance of this year�s World Malaria Day theme - �Zero Malaria Starts with Me� and urged the members of the gathering, especially the students present on the occasion, to take the lead in promoting cleanliness and hygienic lifestyle.
With assistance from the NGO Rainbow Development Society, IOCL demonstrated measures to control mosquito with the application of eco-friendly and non-toxic product � �Servo MLO Super� � in and around the area.
The product is specifically recommended for pouring as neat oil on the stagnant water bodies. It spreads quickly over the stagnant water surface and meets the World Health Organisation�s WHO/SIF/23 R1-1999 specification. This results in excellent control over different mosquito species by killing their larvae as this oil cuts off the oxygen supply to mosquito larvae.
Delivering the keynote address on the occasion, IOCL General Manager Prodip Kumar Kakoti briefly spoke on the mosquito life cycle and explained how the product works in stopping the growth of mosquito by killing its larvae.
Dr Minakshi, zonal medical officer, National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, also spoke on the occasion. The function was also addressed by Robin Tamuly, a senior citizen from Narikalbari Area. Members from NGO Doctors for You also took part in the function, besides a good number of the general public, added the press release.
