MALARIA ELIMINATION: BEGINNING ITS INNINGS IN ODISHA!

With India aiming at further reducing malaria related mortality and morbidity towards elimination, Caritas India under its Intensified Malaria Control Project – 3 (IMCP – 3) has begun its work in Odisha.

National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) is leading response to malaria elimination along with State Vector Borne Disease Control Programmes (SVBDCPs) in partnership with Caritas India and other organizations. As Principal Recipient, Caritas India under IMCP -3 is contributing towards achievement of the aim of reducing malaria related mortality by at least 50 % and morbidity by at least 50 % in project areas (in 7 NE states and Odisha) by 2017.

Under IMCP-3, Caritas India is focusing on reaching out with service delivery in 2000 villages in six districts in Odisha. As part of the inception phase activities, Caritas India organized a 3-day training programme together with SVBDCP, Government of Odisha in Bhubhaneshwar from May 23-25, 2016.

The trainees included Project Staff (22) from Caritas India’s local Partners – Sambalpur Social Service Society and LEPRA Society who are the implementing entities under this project. Directors of the Partners were also present.

Conducted by the Central and Regional Project Management Units (CPMU and RPMU) of Caritas India, the training focused broadly on the guidelines and policies of NVBDCP relating to diagnosis and treatment, Integrated Vector Management as well as Caritas India guidelines & requirements on overall project management, Pharmaceuticals & Health Products Management (PHPM), Behaviour Change Communication (BCC), Project Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), Management Information System (MIS) and finance management.

Fr. Frederick D’ Souza, Executive Director, Caritas India, welcomed the trainees and participants and inspired them to work towards malaria elimination for the benefit of the society.

The technical session that followed the welcome address, focused on the prevailing malaria situation in Odisha, malaria life cycle, vector control, diagnosis and treatment and was conducted by Dr M.M. Pradhan, State Programme Officer, State Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (SVBDCP), Odisha.

Dr Kirti Mishra, Consultant M&E, SVBDCP helped participants to understand surveillance, monitoring and evaluation. This session imparted knowledge on performance indicator and to become more proficient in providing guidance and supportive supervision to the Field Supervisors and the Community Health Volunteers. The other resource persons included – Dr. Shampa Nag, Ms. Mamta Aswal, Mr. Atul Kumar and Mr. Kanta Khawirakpam from CPMU and RPMU.

Post assessment of the participants revealed significant increase in knowledge about the project. This training served as the launching pad for the staff to commit themselves to make Odisha malaria free.