Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 17 June 2024
The month of June is being observed as Anti-Malaria Month across the country. As part of the observance, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) Unit, Directorate of Health Services, organised a bike rally awareness program on June 16th. The rally, held in coordination with the Directorate of Health Services and the UT Health Mission, started from the National Memorial Cellular Jail and concluded at Bhathu Basti.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. B. Ajit Kumar, Deputy Director (Malaria) and Joint Secretary of NVBDCP. Dr. Suja Antony, Director of Health Services, was the chief guest and highlighted the importance of Anti-Malaria Month. This year’s theme, “Malaria for a More Equitable World,” underscores the need for global cooperation in combating the disease.
Dr. Antony flagged off the rally in the presence of other notable attendees, including Dr. S. Sunil Kumar, CMO (CMS), and Dr. Subrata Saha, Project Director of the A&N AIDS Control Society.
Around 50 participants joined the rally, which traveled through key locations such as South Point, Shadipur, Nayagaon, Chakkargaon, Corbyn Chowk, Austinabad, Prothrapur, Bathu Basti, Old Pahargaon, School Line, Lamba Line, Dairy Farm, Junglighat, Goalghar, Middle Point, and the Clock Tower, before returning to the Directorate of Health Services. Throughout the route, participants distributed pamphlets with health education messages on malaria and displayed placards to raise awareness among the public.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Anil Kumar D., Assistant Malaria Officer of NVBDCP, DHS, Port Blair. The rally was a significant step in promoting malaria awareness and prevention in the community.