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New Delhi, December 26, 2024 — India has made remarkable strides in the fight against malaria, with the number of cases and deaths falling by a staggering 80% from 2015 to 2023. The number of malaria cases has decreased from 1.17 million in 2015 to just 227,564 in 2023, while malaria-related deaths have dropped from 384 to 83, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
In a significant milestone, 2023 saw zero malaria cases reported in 122 districts across various states, a testament to the country’s successful public health interventions and intensified surveillance efforts. The government’s ambitious vision of achieving a malaria-free India by 2030 is well on track, with the country already celebrating a substantial decline in both cases and fatalities.
A Dramatic Decline Over Decades
The reduction in malaria burden marks a dramatic shift from the days following India’s independence in 1947, when malaria was a major public health crisis. At that time, India recorded an estimated 7.5 crore cases annually, with nearly 800,000 deaths. Over the past seven decades, relentless public health efforts have slashed these numbers by more than 97%, with malaria cases now reduced to just over 2 million and deaths falling to just 83 in 2023.
This extraordinary achievement is further highlighted by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Malaria Report 2024, which commends India’s progress. The report recognizes India’s efforts, particularly between 2017 and 2023, in reducing the incidence of malaria and related fatalities. India’s success was also underscored by its exit from WHO’s High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024, marking a significant turning point in the battle against malaria.
States Show Dramatic Progress
India’s malaria control efforts have yielded remarkable results across its diverse states and union territories. In 2015, 10 states and union territories were classified as high-burden regions (Category 3), with alarming case numbers. However, by 2023, only two states—Mizoram and Tripura—remained in this high-burden category, while others saw significant reductions in cases.
Notably, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya have all made substantial progress, moving to Category 2. States such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have made remarkable strides, shifting to Category 1 with lower malaria case loads.
Strengthened Surveillance and Intervention
One of the key drivers of India’s success has been the significant increase in the Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER), which has risen from 9.58 in 2015 to 11.62 in 2023. This increase reflects enhanced surveillance capabilities that ensure early detection of malaria cases, enabling quicker intervention and more effective treatment.
The government also credits Integrated Vector Management (IVM) strategies, which include methods like Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs). These measures have helped significantly reduce mosquito populations and disrupted the malaria transmission cycle, especially in areas prone to high mosquito activity.
Another key strategy that has contributed to India’s success is the targeted management of the invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito, which has posed a challenge to urban areas. Efforts to control this mosquito species have bolstered urban malaria control and helped reduce the overall transmission in cities.
India’s Road to a Malaria-Free Future
The government’s commitment to achieving a malaria-free India by 2030 is reinforced by these impressive results. The progress seen in recent years reflects the nation’s robust public health infrastructure, increased funding for malaria control programs, and a focus on both urban and rural areas. As India continues to make significant strides, the roadmap for 2030 includes expanding surveillance, improving vector control measures, and ensuring equitable access to diagnosis and treatment across the country.
In conclusion, the decline in malaria cases and deaths by 80% from 2015 to 2023 is a testament to India’s commitment and success in combating one of its most persistent public health challenges. With ongoing efforts and a clear vision for the future, India is well on its way to becoming a malaria-free country within the next decade.
