Going by the figures maintained with the Dungkhag health office, malaria cases in Chhukha have drastically decreased in the past five years. From 58 cases in 2009, the figure stands at zero till date this year.
About a decade ago, the number of malaria cases reported stood at almost 200. Deaths due to the disease were also recorded.
However, in 2010, the figures came down to 17 as compared to 58 in the previous year.
Last year, only one malaria case was reported. According to the Dungkhag Health Officer, Passang Tshering, the extensive advocacy programmes carried out by the health officials have helped in bringing down the figures. He said people have also become more aware of the disease and its prevention. “We carried out mass distribution of long lasting insecticidal nets. And after that, only one case was reported. So in my opinion I think the net distribution helped a lot,” he added.
In 2010 and 2011, more than 24,000 such nets were distributed to the people of four malaria prone Gewogs in the Dzongkhag.
He added that with the Thromde office cleaning and disposing garbage from common bins regularly, they have been able to prevent the breeding of mosquitos in such bins. But, despite successfully bringing down the figures, the health officials still face challenges in their effort to prevent the spread of malaria.
“In a city, there are different kinds of people. So when we carry out cleaning campaigns not many of them come forth so we have to seek help from the schools. Secondly, when we carry out internal residual spraying, some people don’t cooperate complaining that the spray spoils the wall and furniture,” said Passang Tshering.
Meanwhile, finding the method effective, the health officials will be once again carrying out mass distribution of nets to the people as soon as the stock arrives.
