PASIGHAT : Anti-Malaria Month (AMM) 2026 was formally launched at the Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) Conference Hall on Monday with a renewed call for collective action to eliminate malaria and strengthen awareness on vector-borne diseases.

Organised by the District Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (DVBDCP), East Siang, the month-long campaign is being observed from June 1 to 30 under the theme, “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must.”

Pasighat East MLA Er T Darang attended the inaugural programme as the chief guest, while Pasighat Municipal Council Chief Councillor Tagom Padung was the guest of honour and PMC Deputy Chief Councillor Kamin Lego attended as the special guest.

Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries underscored the importance of public participation, environmental sanitation, early diagnosis, timely treatment and community awareness in achieving malaria elimination goals. They urged citizens to actively support preventive measures and maintain cleanliness in their surroundings to curb mosquito breeding.

Officials of the DVBDCP delivered a detailed presentation on malaria prevention, control strategies and the current disease scenario in the district. The presentation highlighted the need for sustained vigilance and greater community involvement in combating malaria.

Among those present were East Siang District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr YY Pertin, Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) Municipal Executive Officer J Pertin, programme officers of the Health Department, councillors, officials of the PMC and District Medical Office, healthcare workers and students of Government Upper Primary School, Gumin Nagar.

The enthusiastic participation of elected representatives, municipal officials, healthcare personnel and students reflected a shared commitment towards achieving a malaria-free East Siang district. (DIPR)