MALARIA FREE J’KHAND: DECKS CLEARED FOR FIRST SURVEY

DHANBAD: The state health department , following the centre’s nod, has ordered to carry out entomological survey across the state from next week in a bid to make Jharkhand malaria free by 2027.

Sources said that the central government had approved the survey plan for Jharkhand in February but it could not be started till date due to the Covid-19 induced lockdown.

National Health Mission (NHM) managing director Dr Shailesh Kumar Chourasia on Sunday said data of survey would help in selection and use of appropriate vector control tools in achieving the mission of malaria elimination.

“As per the government of India approved plan, three districts -- West Singhbhum ( highly endemic), East Singhbhum (moderate endemic) and Jamtara ( low endemic) -- have been selected for survey in first phase that is likely to be started from next week,” said Chourasia

Though Jharkhand is highly endemic for malaria, in last three years, the state has registered around 40% decline in cases.

Jharkhand entomologist Dr Sagya Singh said that in 2018, total 57,113 cases were reported with 4 casualties but in 2019 number of cases come down to 36,553 with two deaths.

Interestingly, this year till July 4, no death from malaria has been reported from any district.

Dr Singh said though all 24 districts of state are malaria endemic, epidemiological data indicates that 13 of them are most vulnerable to the disease. These districts are Ranchi,West Singhbhum, Simdega,Sahibganj, Lohardagga, Gumla, Dumka, Khunti, East Singhbhum, Saraikela,Pakur, Godda and Latehar.

THOUGH JHARKHAND IS HIGHLY ENDEMIC FOR MALARIA, IN LAST THREE YEARS, THE STATE HAS REGISTERED AROUND 40% DECLINE IN CASES