To commemorate anti-dengue month, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) Dimapur conducted several awareness programmes in and around Dimapur district.
A press statement by DVBO Dimapur, Dr. Imtiwabong, stated that the only way to control dengue fever in Dimapur district was through source reduction.
The source reduction can be achieved by keeping the surroundings clean, removing objects that can collect stagnant water around homes and using mosquito repellents during the day and sleeping under LLIN bednets at night.
He stressed that community participation and cooperation was vital to reduce source reduction.
He further stated that unless the community extend their supports, the Health Department alone cannot control dengue or any other vector borne diseases in the district.
Awareness seminars on dengue in collaboration with administration, village councils and communities was also conducted at Medziphema and Chumukedima to sensitize public as well as the leaders on dengue, malaria, JE and other vector borne diseases. Besides conducting awareness seminars, the NVBDCP Dimapur in coordination with the Urban Malaria Scheme has been conducting fogging activities in high risk areas, distribution of larvicidal fish and conducting entomological survey to curb dengue and other vector borne diseases in the district.
Meanwhile, the health department has requested various religious bodies in Dimapur district to give awareness on vector borne diseases during their services to ensure awareness that messages were disseminated to the grass-root level.