Baikhora Primary Health Centre (PHC) in South Tripura observed World Malaria Day on Saturday with a range of awareness initiatives designed to strengthen community participation in malaria prevention and elimination. The programme reflected this year’s global theme, “We Can! We Will Eliminate Malaria,” and emphasized the need for collective action at the grassroots level.
Health officials conducted special orientation sessions for ASHA workers and frontline health staff, equipping them with essential knowledge on the causes of malaria, preventive strategies, early diagnosis, complete treatment, and effective patient management. The sessions aimed to enhance the capacity of health workers to identify symptoms promptly and guide patients toward timely care.
The event was led by Dr. J.M. Das, Chief Medical Officer of South Tripura, who highlighted the critical role of community engagement in controlling and eventually eliminating malaria. He urged health workers to actively spread awareness in villages and ensure early detection and intervention to reduce the disease burden.
Other key officials present included Dr. Manish Choudhury, District Malaria Officer (DMO) of South Tripura; Dr. Ruby Halder, Medical Officer In-Charge (MOIC) of Baikhora PHC; and Dr. Debabrata Das, Medical Officer (AYUSH). They collectively stressed simple yet effective preventive measures that households can adopt, such as maintaining cleanliness in and around homes, eliminating stagnant water sources, using mosquito nets regularly, and opting for insecticide spraying where necessary.
The officials also advised residents to seek immediate medical attention in case of fever and undergo blood tests without delay, as early diagnosis plays a key role in successful treatment. They reassured the public that malaria diagnosis and treatment services are provided free of cost at government health facilities.
Local residents appreciated the initiative, noting that such awareness programmes are especially important in rural areas where malaria continues to pose a significant public health challenge. The event reinforced the message that sustained awareness and community cooperation are essential to achieving a malaria-free future.
