Balasore records zero malaria deaths

BALASORE: Here is good news for the health fraternity of Balasore district. Even as Odisha topped in malaria deaths in the country, the coastal district has reported no death in 2011.The health authorities attributed last year’s nil deaths to the success of anti-malaria programmes.Five years ago, the spurt in malaria cases had become a cause of concern for the district administration. Official statistics revealed 20 deaths between 2007 and 2010.Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) BM Satpathy said though 1,045 malaria positive cases were reported in 2011, none had died as timely treatment was extended to the patients.  Earlier, the number of malaria cases reported at the district headquarters hospital had risen as the biological vector control method had come to a halt following several reasons. Later due to health awareness among the rural populace, regular follow-up by the Asha and Anganwadi workers and distribution of Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), the disease is has been controlled.District Malaria Officer Deepak Dasmohapatra said, “We distributed over 50,000 LLINs in the SC and ST-dominated areas under the Government-sponsored programmes.” “We have also trained 1,940 Asha workers for rapid diagnosis kit test and they have been provided with sufficient chloroquine tablets to treat the patients.The malaria incidence is showing a declining trend as both medicine and health facilities are being available in the affected areas,” he added. A social activist Dilip Kumar Parida said, “Malaria has been a major threat to the public health in the State, especially in tribal regions where women and children are more vulnerable.”  Sources said of the 12 blocks in the district, people from Nilagiri and Oupada  are prone to the disease as both the blocks share borders with Mayurbhanj district, a malaria-prone area.“Issues like collection and testing of blood smear within 24 hours, spreading greater awareness among people on malaria, timelytreatment and encouraging partnerships by building stronger relationships with corporate houses for malaria eradication must draw the government’s attention,” Parida added.