By Violet Pereira, Team Mangalorean

Mangalore:  DK District Administration, DK District Zilla Panchayat, District Health and Family Welfare Department, and District Vector Borne Disease Control Office jointly organized a workshop for media representatives, on  'Infectious Diseases and its Control', at the RAPCC Hall, Children's Ward, Wenlock Hospital here on August 6.

The programme began with an invocation. District Vector Borne Disease Control Officer, Dr Arun Kumar  welcomed the gathering. District Health and Family Welfare Dr O R Srirangappa briefed on various infectious diseases like Malaria, Dengue and chikangunya and how the media can play a important role in controlling it.  He stated that from the past two decades various diseases are spreading in the district and state, DK and Udupi district has 25% of Malaria and 24%  Falciparum cases recorded, and this is the highest percentage compared to the other districts in Karnataka.  Malaria was once a rural disease but now it is diversified under the pressure of developments into various ecotypes.  These ecotypes have been identified in various forms of Malaria, by cutting across boundaries of various epidemiological types. 

In 2003 Dengue epidemic started, in 2006 to 2007 many people suffered from Chikangunaya ,and all the preventive measures were taken but we could not stop Dengue.  Sometimes the mosquito's breed in stored water, in ponds, flower pots and barrels.  To avoid mosquito bites he said everyone should use mosquito net, but in Mangalore due to the weather conditions people are reluctant to use mosquito nets. Using Mosquito repellent on exposed skin is the best solution to get rid of mosquito.  A person with chikangunya fever should limit his/her exposure to mosquito bites in order to avoid further spreading the disease.

 The workshop was inaugurated by the CEO of Zilla Panchayat Dr N VIjayaprakash by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais. Addressing the gathering the Information Officer, Rohini said that the media can be helpful in preventing infectious disease by publishing  informative articles about the infectious diseases like Malaria, Dengue and Chikangunya, its symptoms, and prevention.

DKWJU President Harish Rai, speaking on the occasion said that Media should take a lead in educating the people about the spreading of diseases, symptoms and prevention.  It is a good sign that the health department is organizing such programmes and showing their interest in controlling diseases in the district, but the sad part is the health office in the Mangalore City Corporation is in a very' pathetic ' condition.  When the District Minister In-charge comes to the city, the media should bring this to his notice and insist to build or renovate the health office.

Dr N Vijayaprakash who also spoke on the occasion said that, the district media has social concern and it is a model media to other districts. In the state 25% of the disease exists in Udupi and DK District.  It is our duty to educate people by bringing awareness about the diseases. When a person falls sick he/she is unable to work.  Media should be the ambassadors in maintaining the health in the society. 

He further said, in our district there are 3,14,000 students studying in various school.  We need to educate the students by discussing at least 10 minutes everyday after the assembly regarding maintaining the health, how the diseases spread, what are the measures to be taken and how to prevent such diseases. Giving talk on seasonal diseases, waterborne diseases and to train the children to drink boiled water always.  If we train the children to be hygienic, then we can prevent Malaria, Dengue and chikangunya. Our district stands number one in education and other sectors, but it should also stand number one in these preventable diseases, we need to remove the tag line, he opined. 

The workshop was continued by Dr Arun.  Balakrishna delivered the vote of thanks. Jayaram Poojary compered the programme