Panaji  (Goa): With the risk of vector borne diseases in the ongoing monsoon season, the Directorate of Health Services has appealed to the public to take preventive measures to check the transmission of malaria and other vector borne diseases. The month is also observed as Anti Malaria month throughout the country to enhance the level of awareness and encourage community participation through mass media campaigns and inter-personal communication.

The Department has also tied up with other government departments like Rural and Urban Development, Agriculture, PWD, Irrigation, Education, local bodies etc to create awareness even as voluntary agencies will participate in the campaign.

“The State is also in the process of elimination of Malaria. Similarly , Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis and Lymphatic Filariasis are expected to rise during the monsoon and post monsoon periods due to the increase in the number of monsoon related mosquito breeding sites. We are therefore creating awareness to ensure people take all precautions,” a health officer said.

The Health Department has also emphasized on the elimination of breeding sites by removing stagnant water bodies, solid wastes, coconut shells, tyres, broken utensils/buckets/bottles/open water tanks/drums and any other structures which can hold rain water and provide active breeding sites is of utmost importance.

“Public are therefore advised that weekly cleaning and drying of water containers and room coolers be carried out for reduction in mosquito breeding sites,” the advisory reads.

Extensive information, education and communication (IEC) activities through Advocacy Workshops for social mobilization of the community on preventive measures and destroying breeding habitats through cleanliness drives are being observed under all the Health Centres in the State.

Team TNV