Issued by: Dr. P. Jagadeeswara Rao, District Medical and Health Officer, Visakhapatnam | Date: 01.06.2026

Visakhapatnam: Indian News Times Today, on June 1, 2026, Dr. P. Jagadeeswara Rao, District Medical and Health Officer, Visakhapatnam, flagged off a rally to mark the commencement of the Anti-Malaria Month celebrations, observed annually from June 1st to June 30th. The rally proceeded from the District Medical and Health Department office, passing through Satyam Junction. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. P. Jagadeeswara Rao emphasized the theme "Mosquito Control – Malaria Prevention." He noted that the month of June is designated annually as Anti-Malaria Month. The primary objective of this initiative is to raise public awareness regarding the prevention of vector-borne diseases—such as Malaria, Dengue, and Chikungunya—as the onset of the monsoon season typically leads to a surge in mosquito breeding.

Sri Vara Prasada Reddy, District Malaria Officer, addressed the gathering, explaining that Malaria is a disease transmitted through the bite of the female *Anopheles* mosquito. He stated that the disease manifests with symptoms such as fever, chills, headaches, excessive sweating, and fatigue. Elaborating further on the symptoms of Malaria, he explained that patients often present with recurrent fever, fever accompanied by shivering, headaches, body aches, profuse sweating, weakness, and general fatigue. He also outlined the precautionary measures to be taken for Malaria prevention, advising the public to keep their home surroundings clean and to ensure that water does not stagnate anywhere in the vicinity.  Keep water tanks, drums, and buckets covered. Eliminate stagnant water from items such as coconut shells, old tires, and broken vessels. Use mosquito nets at night. Wear full-sleeved clothing. Install mosquito mesh screens on windows and doors. Use mosquito insecticides and repellents whenever necessary. Do not neglect a fever; immediately contact an ASHA worker, ANM, or health worker. Get a blood test done. Avail free treatment at the nearest government health center. Strictly follow the doctor's instructions. Our Responsibility – Our Health: "Let us observe every Friday as a 'Dry Day'." Let us eliminate stagnant water found around our homes, on rooftops, in coolers, and in flower pots. The eradication of malaria is possible only through public participation. Let us curb mosquito breeding – let us prevent malaria! A Healthy Family – A Safe Society! – was the call given.
Mr. B. Nageswara Rao (DEMO) administered the Malaria Eradication Pledge, emphasizing that "We can achieve a malaria-free society now; indeed, we must achieve it now."
District Program Officers, District Malaria Staff, and office personnel participated in this program.

        District Medical and Health Officer
                          Visakhapatnam

                   K.V.SHARMA EDITOR