This World Mosquito Day on August 20, Odisha renewed its efforts to end malaria once and for all.
Odisha has traditionally had a high burden of malaria, but in the period between 2016 and 2021 the cases reduced by 94%. Odisha adopted a region-specific approach to malaria elimination and witnessed a sharp drop in cases over a four-year period.
The National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control’s (NCVBDC) State chapter launched Project DAMaN in 2017 in high-burden districts. A combination approach was taken – by conducting routine screenings, distributing insecticidal nets, and disseminating behaviour change communications. As a result, the number of cases reduced from nearly 3.5 lakh in 2017 to 25,503 in 2021.
By strengthening public health infrastructure and enhancing access to essential diagnostic and treatment services, Odisha is contributing significantly to reducing India’s malarial incidence and improving the health and well-being of its population.
Despite fragile health infrastructure and accessibility challenges, particularly post COVID-19, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare hopes to build the momentum in the drive to end malaria in India by 2030.
This was especially challenging during the peak of the pandemic. Thanks to ongoing efforts, malaria cases continued to decline in India at a time when other countries witnessed sharp increases in cases.