BMC plans film to spread awareness

A 52-year-old man from Bhandup died of malaria on Sunday. He was admitted to a hospital on Friday. This is the second malaria death in the city in August. “The patient was an alcoholic and malaria coupled with a liver problem can often prove fatal,” said Dr G.T. Ambe, executive health officer of the BMC.

A 52-year-old man from Bhandup died of malaria on Sunday. He was admitted to a hospital on Friday. This is the second malaria death in the city in August.

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“The patient was an alcoholic and malaria coupled with a liver problem can often prove fatal,” said Dr G.T. Ambe, executive health officer of the BMC.

On Monday, 148 people tested positive for malaria in public hospitals. In July, 20 people died of malaria in the city and more than 13,000 tested positive for the disease.

The municipal body is now stepping up efforts to build awareness by releasing a film about malaria. “We are planning to release a three to four minute film about malaria. It will be shot in Mumbai and will carry a message about how citizens can be involved to avoid the spread of the disease,” said Ambe.

The civic body plans the film would be screened at cinema halls and on cable television.

“We want to spread civic sense in the city. No celebrities will be roped in this film, it will feature the common man,” added Ambe.

“For better malaria control, our workers also checked 2,106 houses and 1,833 household water storage areas for mosquito breeding and fogging was also done in some areas,” said Ambe.