The country’s target to eliminate malaria continues to face challenges, especially in the south due to cross-border transmission. There were four such cases detected in Sarpang in August. In light of the risks due to the upcoming Hindu festivals, a random malaria testing programme was recently carried out in Sarpang.
The malaria team tested about 600 people including local residents and Indian day workers who come from across the border.
The team from the Vector Borne Disease Control Programme office carried out the testing in Gelephu Thromde and two other gewogs that are at high risk.
But random testing is not a new initiative and is a routine programme according to the Office.
“A lot of festivals are coming up such as Dassain, Dawsheri and so on. So there are going to be a lot of people moving around including the foreign workers who will be returning home to celebrate the festivals with their families and then come back,” said Tobgay, Programme Analyst at the Vector Borne Disease Control Programme Office.
“The risk of malaria transmission is going to be quite high. That is why we are carrying out the tests, to prevent the spread of malaria.”
He said the random testing initiative has proved effective, so far.
However, he added that cross-border transmission remains one of the biggest challenges despite initiating a cross-border collaboration.
A team of six people including two Desuups carried out the testing within a week. There were no positive cases.
A similar programme is also expected to be carried out when the festivals end and people start travelling again.
Other malaria prevention initiatives are also carried out in the district such as spraying insecticides and destroying potential mosquito breeding locations, distributing mosquito nets, and creating public awareness.
Bhutan faced the biggest malaria outbreak in the 1993-94 period with almost 40,000 cases and more than 60 deaths.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
