By Rafiullah Mandokhail,
ZHOB: “People in the rural areas particularly those residing along the Zhob River bank carry malaria parasites in their blood without showing symptoms. Zhob is one of the high risk districts for vivax and falciparum malaria. Recently thousands of positive cases have been reported in the rural parts of the district,”
This was revealed by District Programme Officer Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PCRS) Sheikh Sabir Mandokhail, while talking to journalists here on Sunday.
He said in order to prevent malaria, PCRS has completed a week-long door to door registration campaign in the rural areas – financed by The Global Fund and Directorate of Malaria Control, while Red Rose software collected data and The Indus Hospital (ITH) monitored the process. For the purpose 38 mobile teams comprising 190 volunteers have worked in 24 union councils of the district from dawn to dusk. He said in the first registration phase the teams covered 2,80000 population, while in the second phase that is expected to be started on October 30th around 1,65,000 Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) would be distributed among the registered population in every nook and corner of the district.
“Deputy Commissioner Taha Saleem and District Health Officer Dr. Muzzafar Shah have been briefed about the registration process, designated distribution points and security concerns during a meeting held at The Castle. DDHO Dr. Zahid Mehmood, ADO Human Dynamics Samad Hariphal, DSM PPHI Tariq Bukhari and pharmacist Abdul Qayyum were also present on the occasion,” DPO who supervised the entire process explained.
Besides the registration, he said Behavior Change Communication (BCC) also represents an integral component of anti-malaria efforts aimed at creating awareness among communities to prevent the disease.
“During the campaign the people have been urged to adopt preventive measures and use mosquito nets to keep themselves protected from malaria.” He added.
