Eradication of malaria is possible with the concerted efforts of the Government, civil society organisations and community, said National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme, Odisha Joint Director Dr Madan Mohan Pradhan.
As chief guest, he was addressing workshop “Challenges of Malaria in Odisha” organised by the Anwesha Trust with the support of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) and the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.
Dr Pradhan shared that the unique programme of Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakarana (DAMaN) being implemented in the highly malaria prone districts of the State has been yielding very good results.
Dr MM Mishra of Bhubaneswar Regional Office of Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of India, informed about various programmes for malaria eradication and the challenges confronted.
Vector control consultant Suman Khatry stressed upon breaking the chain of parasites-mosquitoes-malaria victims through different interventions. Director of My Heart Shaktidhar Sahu stressed upon proper behavioural change communication (BCC) at the community level to effectively contain the disease. Over 70 participants from different sections like CSOs, media persons and students attended.
In the second session, Debakanta Sandhibigraha of NVBDCP elaborated on DAMaN programme. Chandrakanta Mohapatra of CVBDCP stressed upon the role of the community in the eradication of malaria.