Context:

Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated that Malaria cases in India have decreased dramatically from 75 million at independence to 2 million in 2023, reflecting the country’s progress toward a malaria-free status by 2030. 

Key Milestones and Current Status of India’s Malaria Elimination:

By 2023, India successfully reduced malaria cases by over 97%, with only 2 million cases and just 83 deaths recorded.

From 2015 to 2023, malaria cases and deaths have dropped by about 80%.

India aims to achieve zero Indigenous malaria cases by 2027 and prevent the re-establishment of malaria.  

• India remains steadfast in its goal to eliminate Malaria by 2030. 

According to World Malaria Report 2024: India exited the WHO's High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024, marking a key achievement in its fight against malaria.

State-wise Progress:

• Many states have moved to lower disease burden categories between 2015 and 2023.
• In 2015, 10 states were classified as high-burden (Category 3), of these, in 2023 only two states (Mizoram and Tripura) remain in Category 3.
• Whereas Four states, including Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya, moved to Category 2, while the other four states including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli transitioned to Category 1.
• In 2023, 24 states and UTs reported an Annual Parasite Incidence (API) of less than 1 case per 1,000 population, achieving Category 1 status.
• Ladakh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry reached Category 0, reporting zero indigenous malaria cases and are eligible for subnational verification.

Strengthened Surveillance:

• The Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER) increased from 9.58 in 2015 to 11.62 in 2023, ensuring early detection and timely treatment.
• Intensified surveillance contributed significantly to the reduction in malaria cases.
• The Intensified Malaria Elimination Project-3 (IMEP-3) targets 159 districts across 12 states, focusing on vulnerable populations.

Government Initiatives for Malaria Elimination

• The National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME), launched in 2016, outlines the roadmap to eliminate malaria by 2030.
• The National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023-2027) includes enhanced surveillance, case management, and real-time data tracking via the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP).
• National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) have been established to provide high-quality diagnostic services.

Integrated Vector Management (IVM):

• Strategies like Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) have effectively reduced mosquito populations.
• The management of Anopheles stephensi, an invasive mosquito species, has strengthened urban malaria control.

• Malaria prevention and treatment services are included in the Ayushman Bharat health packages, ensuring healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
• Community Health Officers and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been instrumental in delivering services at the grassroots level.