Govt working to reach remote areas to combat malaria spread in Tripura: Joint Secretary MoHFW

In a concerted effort to combat malaria, the Tripura Health Department is actively striving to access remote and challenging terrains within the state, as announced by Rajiv Manjhi, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Speaking at a press briefing, Manjhi highlighted Tripura's ongoing collaboration with the Central government to eliminate malaria from the state by 2027.

"To realize this ambitious goal, we have initiated regional review sessions to sensitize all personnel involved. Our objective is to achieve zero transmission by 2027 through the implementation of innovative strategies and intensified active case detection. We are prioritizing behavioral change communication and community engagement to enhance awareness. The eradication of malaria demands collective action, and we are committed to breaking the cycle of transmission by our target year," affirmed the officials.

Manjhi outlined the deployment of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers across Tripura to visit households where individuals are experiencing fevers. "Whether in urban centers or rural areas, it is imperative to control the presence of the malaria vector. Many individuals in rural communities remain infected, some without exhibiting symptoms. Hence, our teams are conducting screenings to interrupt transmission. Trained ASHA workers will conduct door-to-door visits, utilizing Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits to diagnose malaria and initiate treatment," he informed reporters.

Moreover, Manjhi acknowledged the state's identification of various factors contributing to malaria transmission in remote regions. "The presence of diverse ethnic groups in hard-to-reach areas poses significant challenges to accessing medical assistance. Therefore, we are addressing geographical barriers to reach these communities, aiming to control the malaria vector, trace cases, and ensure timely diagnosis and treatment," he added.

Binay Bhusan Das, Director of the National Health Mission in Tripura, emphasized the considerable increase in screening efforts, particularly in the Dhalai District, and announced plans for a forthcoming review meeting to further bolster malaria control measures.