worldmalariaday
Courtesy: YBTC NEWS

At least 85 people have died of malaria in Mizoram since 2013.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the Mizoram Government on World Malaria Day.

However, the death rate has decreased by 55.56 per cent, the statement had added.

In 2017, about 5,715 people were found to be suffering from malaria and four of them have died of the disease in the same year.

During the current year till March, at least 426 people were identified with malaria in the State.

Dr F Lallianhlira, Principal Director of Health and Family Welfare said that the State Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (SVBDCP) is actively being pursued in the State in order to reduce malaria case.

He also said that along with malaria control programme, the State Government has also launched fight against dengue and chikungunya on a war footing.

He further added that Intensified Malaria Elimination Project (IMEP) is being launched under Global Funds for AIDS, TB & Malaria (GFATM) to eliminate malaria from Mizoram by 2030.

Meanwhile, Mizoram on Wednesday joined the rest of the world in observing World Malaria Day across the State to raise awareness of malaria and to rejuvenate the fight against this preventable and treatable disease.

This year’s theme of the observation was ‘Ready to beat malaria.’

In Aizawl, the observance of World Malaria Day was held at High School Field, McDonald Hill, in Zarkawt locality.

The event was graced by Mizoram Health Minister Lal Thanzara, who also flagged off a bike rally organized on the occasion.

Speaking at the function, Lal Thanzara said the State Government is taking concerted efforts to make Mizoram malaria free by 2030.