LAMKA, April 25: The Caritas India Partner Network/Diocesan Social Service Society Imphal observed the World Malaria Day, 2013 today at the Silen village community hall at Leimatak CCpur.
The day was observed christened GFAT (Global Fund for Aids, Tb and Malaria) round 9 IMPC-2.
The observation today was attended by village chiefs and students from the area of Silen village.
Zamkhanpau, Senior Supervisor of Caritas speaking on the occasion said that under funding from GFATM the NGO had undertaken 40 projects spread over 570 village with equal number of volunteers.
He continued that the project objective is to reduce malaria casualties to around 20 percent by 2015, early detection and behavioural change for the people for which, he said, they are conducting public awareness campaign through the loud speaker and infotainment.
Today’s program is being held simultaneously at Ukhrul, Kangpokpi and Ccpur.
One of the reason the village of Silen is selected for the event is due to the fact that it is a Malaria prone area with a river running next to it.
Dr F Thiankhogin the former District Malaria Officer , said that the area of Silen village was a hot bed for Malaria where, as late as January this year two cases of malaria had already been detected.
He said that in 2006, when malaria cases were rare, 17 cases of malaria were detected in L Phaikholum village out of which, two children had died as they were unable to get medical assistance in time.
The doctor continued that “Laimatak is prone to Malaria though the majority of cases happen in Tipaimukh area followed by Laimatak and Chote Munpi area which in 2006 September accounted for six fatalities and 41 patients being detected during a one week long test.
The doctor told the students present to educate their respective parents on malaria which, he said, had claimed the life of Alexander the Great.
He also elaborated on the importance of the use of mosquito nets.
In CCpur malaria was detected recently at N Kunmual village where two cases are detected while a woman with a child from Gelmual had contacted malaria in March this year.
A short awareness rally was also taken out at the village market area by the students and organizers holding placards which read “fight and destroy malaria”, “kill mosquito for no malaria”, “dont` allow water stagnation” etc.