Maharashtra: The Panvel Municipal Corporation has launched a significant initiative aligned with the ‘Malaria Elimination Strategy 2030’ under the National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme. As part of this, the entire month of June is being observed as ‘Malaria Prevention Month’ across the region. During this period, the civic body’s Medical and Health Department is conducting large-scale awareness campaigns.
The primary objective of this campaign is to educate the public about malaria and other serious mosquito-borne diseases—such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, Chandipura virus infection, and filariasis—and to promote preventive measures against them.
Special emphasis is being placed on active citizen participation, encouraging people to maintain cleanliness in their homes and surroundings and to cooperate in preventing mosquito breeding. The Health Department believes that effective control of these diseases is not possible without public participation.
According to Dr. Anand Gosavi, Chief Health Officer of the Panvel Municipal Corporation, this awareness campaign is being conducted at various levels. Health facilities such as Urban Primary Health Centres, Urban Health and Wellness Sub-Centres, and ‘Aapla Davakhana’ (community clinics) are being utilized for this purpose.
During the campaign, medical officers, nurses, and ASHA workers are regularly interacting with citizens, providing information on disease symptoms, treatment, and prevention methods. Additionally, community-level outreach programs and information sessions are being organized.
The Health Department notes that the risk of mosquito-borne diseases increases due to changing weather conditions and water stagnation. Therefore, spreading awareness and adopting preventive measures in a timely manner is crucial.
People are also being advised not to allow water to stagnate around their homes, to regularly clean coolers and water tanks, and to use mosquito nets and other protective measures.
According to officials, the aim of this initiative is not merely to treat diseases but to prevent their spread before they occur. With this approach, the entire month of June is being dedicated to this special awareness campaign. The Municipal Corporation hopes that this campaign will lead to a reduction in cases of malaria and other vector-borne diseases in the city and make people more health-conscious.
