PHULBANI: To prevent malaria deaths in Kandhamal district, the State Government would distribute 1.80 lakh Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) in Baliguda, K. Nuagaon, Raikia, G. Udaygiri, Phiringia blocks and parts of Tikabali.
Block-level officers had already received the nets. They have been instructed to distribute them by May 15, said ADMO (Public Health) Jatin Pattnaik.
During the first phase in 2010, around 80,000 nets were distributed in three malaria-prone Daringbadi, Tumudibandh and Kotagarh blocks. LLIN is a special medicated mosquito net, which lasts for three to five years, if properly used.
The result was impressive, said the ADMO. In 2009, 35 persons had died of the disease in the district, the toll increased to 39 in 2010. Last year, only four deaths were reported.
Use of specially designed medicated mosquito nets, spraying of mosquito repellents in the tribal area and proper distribution of medicines through ASHA workers had helped prevent malaria deaths in the district, said Pattnaik. While health workers have been pressed into creating awareness on proper use of the nets, the remaining blocks would be covered in the third phase, he added.