New malaria scheme launched in Orissa

A new malaria scheme has been launched by the government in Orissa.

The initiative will see long-lasting insecticidal bed nets (LLIN) given to pregnant women in particularly vulnerable areas.

A senior health official for the country told the Indo-Asian News Service: "The LLIN to be provided for the first time in the state, would also be given by the government to students in tribal school hostels and general community in endemic areas."

He added that these nets would protect women from malaria during their pregnancy and would safeguard the children for the first three to four years of their life.

The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, which is part of the country's Health and Family Welfare Department, is behind the scheme.

Last week, it was revealed that Malaria No More is the main sponsor of the latest series of I'm A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here, with funds generated by the show allowing nets to be sent to Africa.

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