Malaria cases and deaths decrease in Nagaland

KOHIMA: The number of positive malaria cases in Nagaland has come down from 8,479 in 2009 to just five in 2022, while malaria-related deaths have also come down from 35 to zero during the same period, a Health Department report said. The official said.
State Program Officer, National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP), Dr Neisakho Kere, observed the World Malaria Day on the theme ‘Time to Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, Innovate, Implement’ here on Tuesday. He said this while giving a presentation.
He said that between 2005 and 2022, the highest number of positive cases of malaria was reported in 2009 at 8,479, while in 2022, it decreased to five, adding that positive cases were reported in Dimapur, Kohima, Peren and Phek. There is none in other districts.
During the same period, the highest number of malaria-related deaths in Nagaland was 75 in 2006, followed by 2009 with 35 deaths, but after one patient died in 2016, malaria-related deaths remained zero from 2017-2022. are

In 2009, the highest number of malaria PF cases in the state was 2,893 but in 2022 it decreased to only two, while during the same period malaria PV cases were highest in 2009 at 5,596 which also decreased to three in 2022. have come, he said.
‘Pf’ or Plasmodium falciparum and ‘Pv’ or Plasmodium vivax are two different types of parasites that cause malaria in humans. Pf causes the most severe, severe form of the disease, which can have cerebral manifestations (cerebral malaria) and causes the highest number of deaths worldwide. Pv is still a serious disease, but usually less severe. Both conditions can be easily treated and completely cured if diagnosed early, it said.
He said that while India aims to reach zero malaria by 2030, there are no positive cases in eight districts of Nagaland.
Principal Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Vibeituouno M Sachu said that the National Center for Vector Borne Disease Control in the state is making steady progress towards a malaria-free Nagaland.
Commissioner and Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Y Kekhito Sema said as the state observes World Malaria Day, there is a need to raise awareness about the devastating health, social and economic impact of malaria.

He said that on the way to eliminate malaria by 2030, Nagaland needs an awareness campaign, and sanitation campaign involving all sections of the people.
Three best performing Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) under the District Health Centers of Kohima were also awarded for collecting blood samples for malaria tests and creating awareness.