Northeast Desk, 11th June: Meghalaya has witnessed a concerning surge in malaria and dengue cases, resulting in 14 deaths over the past two years. The state government, acknowledging the exacerbating impact of climate change on these diseases, has escalated its efforts to address the situation.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, speaking on June 10, highlighted the vulnerability of individuals under 18 to malaria-related fatalities, underscoring the urgency of the issue. She stressed the need for enhanced testing, particularly among children, through ASHA services and advocated for the use of environmentally friendly insecticides in drain and waterbody disinfection.
Late reporting of fever has emerged as a significant contributor to malaria and dengue-related deaths, according to Lyngdoh. To mitigate this, the government has launched awareness campaigns across various mediums, including flyers, hardcopies, and social media. Additionally, the engagement of social media influencers is planned to amplify the dissemination of awareness messages.
Lyngdoh commended the efforts of the medical team and expressed optimism about minimizing casualties. Following her recent visits to 36 constituencies in the Shillong parliamentary seat, she observed improvements in sanitation measures in several areas.
Highlighting the importance of citizen participation, Lyngdoh emphasized the adoption of preventive measures such as early testing and the use of mosquito nets to curb the spread of malaria and dengue effectively.
As Meghalaya confronts this public health challenge, concerted efforts from both the government and the community are essential to mitigate the impact of these diseases and safeguard public health.
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