In News: India has achieved a major public health milestone, recording an over 80% reduction in malaria cases and deaths between 2015 and 2023.
What is Malaria Elimination?
- Malaria Elimination: Interruption of local transmission, resulting in zero indigenous malaria cases in a defined geographic area.
- Different from Eradication: Eradication implies permanent global elimination of malaria, which has not yet been achieved.
Key Trends in Malaria in India
1. Sharp Decline in Disease Burden
- Cases: Reduced from 11.69 lakh (2015) to ~2.27 lakh (2023) - 80.5% decline
- Deaths: Fell by 78.3%, reaching an all-time low of 83 deaths in 2023
2. Strengthened Surveillance
- Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER): Increased from 9.58 (2015) to 11.62 (2023)
- Indicates expanded testing and surveillance, even as cases declined.
3. Changing Parasite Profile
- Plasmodium vivax now causes ~40% of cases
- Poses challenges due to dormant liver stages (hypnozoites) causing relapses.
4. Geographic Concentration
- Over 85% of malaria cases are concentrated in:
- Odisha
- Chhattisgarh
- Jharkhand
- West Bengal
- These are largely tribal, forested, and hard-to-reach areas.
Initiatives for Malaria Elimination
National Initiatives
1. National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016–2030)
- Categorises states into four groups based on transmission intensity.
- Enables tailored, state-specific strategies.
2. National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023–2027)
- Target: Zero indigenous cases by 2027.
- Focus on “3Ts” Strategy:
- Test
- Treat
- Track
3. Integrated Vector Management (IVM)
- Large-scale distribution of:
- Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs)
- Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS)
- Emphasis on tribal and forest regions.
4. MERA India
- Malaria Elimination Research Alliance (ICMR-led).
- Promotes operational research, innovation, and evidence-based policy.
Global Initiatives
- WHO Global Technical Strategy (GTS): Target: 90% reduction in malaria incidence and mortality by 2030.
- WHO E-2025 Initiative: Supports countries with the potential to eliminate malaria by 2025.
- Malaria Vaccines: RTS,S and R21 vaccines rolled out in Africa, strengthening global prevention efforts.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
