Introduction

Malaria is unique among diseases because its roots lie so deep within human
communities. Malaria beliefs and practices are often related to culture, and can
influence the effectiveness of control strategies; thus, local knowledge and practice
related to malaria is important for the implementation of culturally appropriate,
sustainable, and effective interventions.
Unfortunately in some rural areas even today it is believed that 'mata chad
gayi hai' and they resort to jhaad-phoonk. In such cases chicken pox
becomes fatal as it leads to secondary infections such as broncho-
pneumonia and goes untreated."We have trained ASHA workers as also
ANMs to educate, inform and provide basic treatment for chicken pox in
villages. As required we are also sending teams in some areas. A team
headed by Dr Asha Bhargav has just returned from Arjun Patti village in
Handia tehsil after check-ups," said the CMO.
Mariamman is the main South Indian mother goddess, predominant in the rural
areas of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Mri is
closely associated with the Hindu goddesses Parvati

and Durga Her worship
mainly focuses on bringing rains and curing diseases like cholera, smallpox, and
chicken pox.