East Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh has launched a month-long Anti-Malaria Month (AMM) 2026 campaign aimed at strengthening malaria prevention measures and increasing public awareness about vector-borne diseases across the district. The campaign was formally inaugurated at the Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) Conference Hall on June 1 by the District Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (DVBDCP), East Siang. The awareness drive will continue until June 30 under the theme, “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must.” The initiative seeks to promote community participation in malaria prevention and encourage residents to adopt measures that can help reduce the spread of the disease. Various awareness programmes, outreach activities and community engagement campaigns have been planned throughout the month in different parts of the district. MLA of the 38th Pasighat East Constituency, Er. Tapi Darang, attended the inaugural programme as the chief guest. Chief Councillor of Pasighat Municipal Council, Tagom Padung, was present as the guest of honour, while Deputy Chief Councillor Kamin Lego attended as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries emphasised the importance of collective action in achieving the goal of malaria elimination. They called upon citizens to actively participate in prevention efforts and maintain clean surroundings to reduce mosquito breeding sites. The speakers highlighted the need for environmental sanitation, timely diagnosis, prompt treatment and greater public awareness to effectively control malaria and other vector-borne diseases. They said community participation remains one of the most important factors in preventing outbreaks and protecting public health. Officials from the District Vector Borne Disease Control Programme delivered a detailed presentation on malaria prevention and control measures. The presentation also provided an overview of the current malaria situation in East Siang district and outlined ongoing efforts to monitor and manage the disease. Health officials stressed that while significant progress has been made in controlling malaria over the years, continued vigilance is necessary to prevent new cases and sustain gains achieved through public health interventions. They encouraged residents to seek medical attention at the earliest signs of illness and cooperate with healthcare workers during awareness and surveillance activities.
The programme was attended by District Medical Officer Dr. Y. Y. Pertin, Municipal Executive Officer of Pasighat Municipal Council Jayanti Pertin, programme officers from the Health Department, councillors, officials of the municipal council and district medical office, healthcare workers and students from Government UPS School, Gumin Nagar, Pasighat. Organisers said the presence of elected representatives, health officials, municipal authorities, healthcare personnel and students reflected a strong commitment towards strengthening malaria prevention efforts in the district. They noted that the campaign aims not only to spread awareness but also to encourage long-term behavioural changes that can help reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Through coordinated action and community involvement, the district administration hopes to move closer to the goal of creating a malaria-free East Siang. The month-long campaign will continue with awareness programmes, educational activities and public outreach initiatives designed to inform residents about preventive measures and the importance of early detection and treatment of malaria.
