India's journey to eliminate malaria is a testament to its unwavering commitment to public health. Since 1947, the country has made tremendous strides in reducing malaria cases and deaths. From 7.5 crore cases and 8,00,000 deaths annually, India has successfully brought down the numbers by over 97%, with only 2 million cases and 83 deaths reported in 2023.
The World Health Organization's (WHO) World Malaria Report 2024 celebrates India's significant progress, highlighting its exit from the WHO's High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024. This achievement underscores the nation’s robust public health interventions and its vision to achieve malaria-free status by 2030.
Several states have transitioned from high-burden categories to significantly lower or zero-burden categories between 2015 and 2023. Notably, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry have reported zero indigenous malaria cases, making them eligible for subnational verification of malaria elimination.
India's success can be attributed to its comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy, which includes:
*National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME): Launched in 2016, NFME provided a clear roadmap for achieving zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027.
*Integrated Vector Management (IVM): Strategies like Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) have curtailed mosquito populations and disrupted the transmission cycle.
*Community Integration: The inclusion of malaria prevention and treatment services in Ayushman Bharat health packages has ensured access to essential healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Malaria cases and deaths have dropped by around 80 per cent from 2015-2023, with cases going down from 11,69,261 in 2015 to 2,27,564 in 2023. The deaths too have dropped from 384 to just 83.
Intensified surveillance efforts have led to significant rise in the Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER), increasing from 9.58 (2015) to 11.62 (2023).
As India continues its march towards a malaria-free future, it remains committed to achieving zero indigenous cases by 2027 and preventing malaria re-establishment. With its strategic frameworks, robust interventions, and community engagement, India is setting a global benchmark in malaria elimination.
