State

Asymptomatic malaria cases a worry for health dept

Shillong, April 27:  Asymptomatic malaria cases are hurdles to completely eradicate the disease in the state though the target is 2030.

Speaking at the World Malaria Day observance on Thursday, Dr B Marak, state nodal officer NCVBDCP, Programme, NHM said that though there are many asymptomatic cases, the health department is committed to eradicate malaria.

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There has been a drastic reduction in malaria cases and deaths over the years.

From 48603 cases in 2015, only 465 cases were reported in 2022.

Till date this year, 40 cases were reported and South Garo Hills alone has 36 cases. However, no death was reported.

She said from 79 deaths in 2015, there were only eight deaths in 2022,  three in 2021 and four in 2020.

South Garo Hills is a cause for concern as most of the cases are from hard to reach areas, Dr Marak said.

Mosquito bites are happening outdoors in the late evenings and early mornings according to the entomological studies being conducted there, she said.

Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh stressed the need of making medicines available for the patients, while adding that early diagnosis is a must..”There should be a positive rippling effect as malaria is also prevalent in East Khasi Hills”,  she said.

Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar narrated Tura Model to tackle malaria as collective efforts by NGOs, public, ASHAS had helped in reducing the cases.

Juliana Lyngwa of regional office of health and family welfare, government of India also spoke on the occasion.

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