India committed to be malaria-free by 2030: Health ministry

The latest World Malaria Report 2024, released by the World Health Organization (WHO), has celebrates Indias significant progress. Indias achievements include a significant reduction in malaria cases and malaria-related deaths between 2017 and 2023.

 This success is further highlighted by Indias exit from the WHOs High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024, signifying a turning point in its fight against malaria. These achievements reflect the nations robust public health interventions and its vision to achieve malaria-free status by 2030. 

Indias epidemiological progress is particularly evident in the movement of states to lower disease burden categories. From 2015 to 2023, numerous states have transitioned from the higher-burden category to the significantly lower or zero-burden category. In 2015, 10 States and Union Territories were classified as high burden (Category 3), of these, in 2023 only two states (Mizoram & Tripura) remain in Category 3, whereas 4 states such as Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya, have reduced the case-load and moved to Category 2. 

Also, the other 4 States, namely, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have significantly reduced the caseload and moved to Category 1 in 2023. In 2015 only 15 states were in Category 1, whereas in 2023, 24 states and UTs (progressed from high/medium-burden categories to Category 1, reporting an API of less than 1 case per 1000 population). As of 2023 Ladakh, Lakshadweep and Puducherry are in Category 0 i.e. zero indigenous Malaria cases. These areas are now eligible for subnational verification of malaria elimination. Additionally, in 2023, 122 districts across various states reported zero malaria cases, which demonstrates the efficacy of targeted interventions.

Both, Malaria cases and deaths have dropped by around 80% from 2015-2023, with cases going down from 11,69,261 in 2015 to 2,27,564 in 2023, while deaths falling from 384 to just 83. This dramatic decline reflects the relentless efforts to combat the disease. Simultaneously, intensified surveillance efforts have led to a significant rise in the Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER), increasing from 9.58 (2015) to 11.62 (2023). This strengthened surveillance has ensured early detection, timely intervention, and more effective treatment. 

The foundation of Indias success lies in its comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy. The National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME), launched in 2016, provided a clear roadmap for achieving zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027. Building on this framework, the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023-2027) introduced enhanced surveillance, prompt case management through a “testing, treating, and tracking” approach, and the development of real-time data tracking through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). 

Integrated Vector Management (IVM) has been at the core of Indias malaria control efforts. Strategies such as Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) have significantly curtailed mosquito populations and disrupted the transmission cycle. The targeted management of the invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito has further bolstered urban malaria control efforts.