By Akhand in Bhubaneswar, Orissa
A state level advocacy-cum-sensitisation event was organized by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of Orissa and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The new Malaria Control programme is supported by Govt. of India, National Rural Health Mission and partners like the World Bank, GFATM, WHO, DFID, T&MST, RMRC, NIMR, VCRC and London School of Tropical Medicine.
The State level function was inaugurated by Sri Prasanna Acharya, Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Public Grievances and Pension Administration at 4pm, on 18 November 2009 at Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar in the presence of Ms.Anu Garg, I.A.S, Commissioner cum Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Sri. G.Mathivathanan I.A.S, Mission Director, NRHM, Director, Health Services Government of Orissa , Joint Director, NVBDCP, Govt of India and Dr. A Gunasekar, National Programme Officer- Malaria, WHO.
The other invitees include representatives from other departments, health officials from districts, ASHAs, Gaon Kalyan Samiti members, Youth groups, Kalyani Club members, Civil Society members and development partners.
The event showcases the new programme components with a State level Exhibition followed by ‘Jatra’ and ‘Pala’ performances to be used for a behaviour change communication campaign.
“Mo Masahri” scheme:
“Mo Masahri” scheme was launched in Bhubaneswar today, wherein Long-Lasting Insecticidal bednets (LLIN) would be provided for pregnant women in high burden areas of KBK districts, students in tribal school hostels and general community in endemic areas as a core strategy for reduction of Malaria morbidity and mortality in the state.
The National Programme:
The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme has brought in a paradigm shift in the malaria programme strategy since 2008-09, wherein significant changes have been introduced. Among the new commodities that are being introduced in the programme are the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits, treatment using Artesunate Combination Therapy (ACT) for falciparum malaria and Long Lasting Insecticidal nets (LLINs). While other strategies have been piloted in certain areas of the state earlier, LLINs are being introduced for the first time in the state.
Pregnant women and children under 5 years of age are particularly vulnerable to malaria. Infection with P. falciparum during pregnancy increases the mother’s risk of developing severe disease and anemia, and increases the risk of stillbirth, prematurity and low birth weight babies. Premature and Low birth weight babies are less likely to survive, thereby contributing to a higher Neonatal mortality rate and Infant mortality rate. It is estimated that acute and severe clinical disease in non-immune pregnant women may result in up to 60% fetal loss and over 10% maternal deaths, including 50% mortality for severe disease. Each LLIN given to a pregnant woman would effectively protect her during pregnancy and will protect her and her newborn child for 3-4 years. The distribution would start in KBK districts on a priority basis. LLINs would be distributed to each ANM as per her previous ANC coverage.
