Towards a malaria-free India

Blitz Bureau

NEW DELHI: World Malaria Day is observed globally on April 25 each year, following its institution by the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) member states during the 2007 World Health Assembly. This year’s theme – Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite – called for renewed global commitment to end malaria through innovation, collaboration, and sustained action. Once among the world’s highest malaria-burdened countries, India has demonstrated remarkable progress through sustained political will, grassroots participation, and targeted interventions. A defining milestone came in 2024, when the country exited the WHO’s High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group.

Backed by the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016–2030) and the National Strategic Plan (2023–2027), India has aligned its strategy with global standards while tailoring solutions to local needs. With an 80.5 per cent reduction in malaria cases and 78.3 pc reduction in deaths between 2015 and 2023, and over 122 districts reporting zero cases last year, the country is advancing with renewed momentum towards achieving zero indigenous cases by 2027. India reaffirms its steadfast commitment to eliminating malaria by 2030.

Life-threatening disease

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites and spread to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is common in tropical regions, but is preventable and treatable. The most common early symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, and chills, usually appearing 10–15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. It can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and, in some cases, by taking preventive medicines. If one is travelling to areas where malaria is common, one needs to consult a doctor about taking preventive drugs in advance. Wearing long-sleeved clothing in the evenings helps protect exposed skin.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to curing malaria and stopping its spread. Anyone with symptoms should get tested using microscopy or a rapid diagnostic test. The type of medicine used depends on the type of malaria parasite, the person’s age, weight, whether they are pregnant, and if the parasite is resistant to certain drugs. According to the World Malaria Report, the estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 5.97 lakh in 2023, compared to 6 lakhs in 2022. In 2023, the 11 HBHI countries were responsible for 66 per cent of global malaria cases and 68 per cent of deaths. India remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminate malaria by 2030, with the intermediate target of zero indigenous cases by 2027. The National Framework for Malaria Elimination in India (2016–2030) outlines the vision, goals, and targets for phased malaria elimination.

The recently launched National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023– 2027) builds upon earlier frameworks and aligns with the WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030. To translate its malaria elimination vision into actionable outcomes, India has adopted a comprehensive, evidencedriven strategy. This approach integrates disease management, vector control, and community-driven interventions to ensure lasting impact and inclusive health coverage.

Elimination strategies

Ensuring universal access to malaria diagnosis and treatment by enhancing and optimising case management – ‘testing, treating and tracking’.

Ensuring universal access to malaria prevention by enhancing and optimizing vector control.

Accelerating efforts towards elimination and attainment of malariafree status.

Promoting research and supporting the generation of strategic information for malaria elimination and prevention of re-establishment of malaria transmission.

The National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) 2016–2030 categorises regions by malaria prevalence, with Category 3 – Intensified Control Phase targeting high-burden areas.

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