Focus on malaria eradication

The Statesman, 4th June, 2009

Vedanta Alum-inium, Lanjigarh organised a two-day workshop on eradication of malaria to launch its "Roll Back Malaria" program in collaboration with district headquarters hospital, Kalahandi and National Vector Borne Disease Control Program, Bhubaneswar. The workshop, which concluded yesterday was attended by ANM, Anganwadi Workers, Asha Workers, lab technicians, paramedical staff of VAL and other health workers of Lanjigarh. Dr Mukesh Kumar, chief operating officer of the company claimed that such efforts had helped reduce deaths due to malaria in the region. Dr Sushil Rath, chief district medical officer, Kalahandi stressed on awareness and commitment for implementation of the program while Dr MM Pradhan, medical officer, NVBDC said: “The program is first of its kind in Orissa and will be projected as a model to be implemented in the field of malaria control in private public partnership mode.” The "Role Back Malaria" program is aimed at reducing incidence of malaria by 50 per cent and achieving zero malaria death rates by end of 2009. The program will be implemented as per the guidelines by National Vector Borne Disease Control Cell For Malaria. The program will focus on building awareness about malaria and its prevention, use of mosquito net. Treatment and diagnosis service will be provided by the medical team of the company. Health workers and officials will also be trained under this program. As part of the program, Vedanta will organise one month extensive campaign on malaria prevention.