Navi Mumbai: As part of World Malaria Day observance, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) conducted a large-scale awareness drive across schools and public spaces, reaching 4,740 students and hundreds of citizens.
The initiative, held under the theme “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite”, aimed to educate the public on the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases, particularly malaria and dengue.
Students from Classes 7 to 10 across 26 schools were given practical demonstrations showing mosquito larvae and breeding sites of Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes. They were trained to identify and eliminate breeding grounds in and around homes.

NMMC's World Malaria Day drive educates students and citizens on preventing mosquito-borne diseases | File Photo
In a parallel effort, three morning rallies were held between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM in Karave, Shiravane, and Ghansoli, where 370 students participated by raising awareness through slogans and placards.
Street plays were organized at Nerul, Vashi, and Airoli public hospitals to engage outpatient visitors and spread awareness. Dr. D.Y. Patil Nursing College students also staged a performance at Ryan International School, Nerul, educating younger students through interactive methods.

NMMC's World Malaria Day drive educates students and citizens on preventing mosquito-borne diseases | File Photo
Additionally, from April 25 to 27, a special awareness camp is being held at the CIDCO Exhibition Centre, in conjunction with the Maharashtra State Radiologists Association's international conference, to further educate attendees on mosquito-borne illnesses.
NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde urged residents to actively participate in disease prevention by covering water storage containers and removing scrap and stagnant water sources from terraces and surroundings.

NMMC's World Malaria Day drive educates students and citizens on preventing mosquito-borne diseases | File Photo
He emphasized that mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water, often found in household settings, and said collective efforts are essential in combating the spread of malaria and dengue.