The season for the spread of vector-borne diseases is setting in. Against this, prevention and control programmes in Nganglam dungkhag of Pema Gatshel are at its height. Health officials are visiting the high-risk villages sensitizing people on dengue and malaria.
Preventing such diseases will also bolster the containment efforts in case there is a community transmission of the Coronavirus.
To avoid crowds and maintain physical distancing, the health officials are going door-to-door creating awareness on prevention of malaria and dengue in Dechhenling, Chhoekhorling and Norboogang Gewogs. These three gewogs are identified as high-risk for the outbreak of the diseases.
“We are creating awareness by visiting house to house in those three gewogs. Moreover, we are doing active vector surveillance to rule out any vector-borne diseases in and around the community,” said Kinley Dorji, the District Health Officer in Pema Gatshel.
Talking to some villagers, it seems they are well informed and putting to practices the health advisories. This is a result of frequent sensitization programs the district health sector conducts in the region.
“The health officials told us to mosquito nets, keep our surroundings clean and cover our water containers with proper lids. We have to be more careful in summer while maintaining hygiene. We are trying our best to follow the instructions,” said Meto Seldon, a farmer from Kerong under Chhoekhorling Gewog in Pema Gatshel
“We use mosquito nets although we do not think there will be any outbreak since ours is a remote community. Moreover, the health sector provides us with every support possible. We are advised to stay clean and avoid keeping containers filled with water for longer durations,” added Nidup Zangmo, from the same village.
People are also asked to visit the nearest hospital in case of dengue and malaria-like symptoms such as nausea, fever and muscle pain and fatigue.
Kinley Dorji, the District Health Officer, said promoting a clean environment in and around the places one lives will help in cutting down infections. “No stagnant water near the settlements. Be it in the drum. Be it the tyre. Be it everywhere, water stagnant should be cleared and should keep dry. Special during this summer season,” he added.
Besides health advisories, more than six thousand insecticide-treated bed nets were distributed to villagers in the three gewogs.
Thinley Dorji
