Bhubaneswar: A meeting of the State Technical Task Force on Malaria Prevention and Control of Other Vector-Borne Diseases was held today at Kharavela Bhawan under the chairmanship of Ashwathi S., Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department.
The meeting reviewed the current malaria situation in the state and emphasised strengthening measures for prevention and control of malaria and other vector-borne diseases. Additional Director (Vector-Borne Diseases) Dr. Subhasish Mohanty gave a detailed presentation on the present malaria scenario, progress of the programme and challenges. The district-wise situation was discussed with a focus on strengthening surveillance and rapid response in the most affected districts.
Malkangiri district has been given special focus in view of the high number of malaria cases. A state-level team led by the Additional Director will visit the district and conduct a field review in all blocks. The team will assess the situation, identify gaps in programme implementation and prepare a block-wise action plan to strengthen prevention, surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and rapid response. A detailed report will be submitted to the Health Secretary.
It was decided that all collaborating institutions and agencies involved in implementation and monitoring of the malaria programme will use a unified monitoring format approved by the state to ensure coordination and uniformity in monitoring and reporting. Special measures will be taken to protect students living in tribal residential schools from malaria. Districts have been directed to strengthen the preventive system in tribal residential schools in malaria-prone and border areas and ensure early diagnosis and timely treatment.
A technical team will be constituted at the state level comprising RMRC Bhubaneswar, the Office of the Senior Regional Director of WHO and state technical experts. The team will review existing malaria guidelines and prepare a special evidence-based state plan with emphasis on rapid response in high-burden areas.
The meeting was attended by National Health Mission Mission Director Dr. Brundha D., senior officials of the Health and Family Welfare Department and representatives of various departments.
