Sarvodaya raises awareness on malaria in Batticaloa

Sarvodaya regional coordinators conducted a walk in Batticaloa town on 26 May 2011 to raise awareness on Malaria and get community involvement to eradicate it from Sri Lanka. 

Over 600 enthusiastic volunteers took part in this worthy cause including officers of the regional anti-malaria office, volunteers of the Sarvodaya Movement, representatives of other Governmental and non-governmental organisations and many journalists.

The Chief Guest was Chief Minister of the Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, while Dr. Lalith Chandradasa, Director, Sarvodaya Community Health Unit, also graced the occasion. Among other distinguished participants was Divisional Secretary of Batticaloa Sundaram Arumenayagam.

The walk started at Devanayagam Mandapam in Arasadi in the morning and ended at the Main Bus Stand of Batticaloa. The participants said the interest shown by the general public was highly encouraging and expressed confidence that Sri Lanka will be able to reach the target of eradicating malaria in the near future with the support of the community.

The walk was part of a range of activities conducted by Sarvodaya to eradicate malaria which is funded by The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM). Sri Lanka has now reached the stage of eradicating malaria and to achieve this objective, the Sarvodaya Community Health Unit together with the regional coordinators conducts various activities to raise awareness, empower communities, increase community involvement and educate the public.

Sarvodaya has also organised a similar awareness building programme on malaria to be held in Monaragala town on 14 June 2011. Sarvodaya held walks and other awareness building programs in Kurunegala, Polonnaruwa and Kilinochchi recently with a highly enthusiastic participation from distinguished dignitaries, officers of Government and non-governmental organisations and the general public.