Vedanta starts Anti-malaria Drive in Lanjigarh of Orissa

Orissadairy, 2nd June, 2009

Lanjigarh: Vedanta Aluminium, Lanjigarh organized a two-day workshop on eradication of malaria on June 01 and 02, 2009 to launch its ‘Roll Back Malaria’ program in collaboration with District Head Quarter Hospital, Kalahandi and National Vector Borne Disease Control Program, Bhubaneswar. The workshop has also started a month long Anti-Malaria campaign by the Company. The workshop was attended by ANM, Anganwadi Workers, ASHA Workers, Lab Technicians, Paramedical staff of VAL and other health workers of Lanjigarh Block.
Inaugurating the session Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer said, “Due to the sincere effort of the Vedanta, there has been significant decrease in Malaria related death. And the company is committed to continue into Anti-Malaria Campaign in Lanjigarh Block and in Kalhandi District.” To achieve the objective the company has joined its hand with State Government, NRHM, NVBDCP and local health authority, he added. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sushil Rath, Chief District Medical Officer, Kalahandi stressed on awareness and commitment for implementation of the program. Guest of Honour 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 PPP Mode.”
The Role Back malaria program is aimed at reducing incidence of malaria by 50% 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 organize one month extensive campaign on Malaria prevention.
Dr. RC Rout, Head, HSE; Ms. Sabita Swain, Chief Medical Officer; Dr. AK Sahoo, Medical Officer, VAL; and Dr. Tapas Patra, Medical Officer of PHC, Lanjigarh along with other officials of VAL were present in the workshop.