World Malaria Day (WMD) on 25 April provides an opportunity to mobilize political and social support towards disease prevention, cure and eradication. The theme for WMD 2023 is ‘Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement’, and focuses on the critical importance of reaching vulnerable populations with the tools and strategies that are available now.
As per World Malaria Report 2022, there were an estimated 247 million malaria cases globally in 2021 in 84 malaria endemic countries, increasing from 245 million in 2020. India’s progress has been significant, with 85 % decline of malaria cases and 83% deaths in 2022 as compared to 2015. In 2022, provisional data indicates 126 districts reported ‘zero malaria’.
An ASHA (community health volunteer) marks the toenail of a child after testing him for malaria using a rapid diagnostic test. The indelible ink marking helps to track community members who have been tested for malaria (Photo: Atul Loke/WHO/PANOS Pictures)
“Now is the time to get to ZERO indigenous malaria cases by 2027 by focusing on the three ‘I’s: invest, innovate, and implement. Primary health care is the most inclusive, equitable and cost-effective way to eliminate malaria. India’s committed community health officers and frontline workers are making the country’s elimination goal a reality,” said Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Country Representative to India, in his WMD message.
The National Framework for Malaria Elimination in India 2016-2030 was launched in 2016, followed by the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2017-2022, which was developed with assistance from WHO India. India is currently finalising National Strategic Plan (2023-2027) to achieve zero indigenous cases by 2027. It is planned for release in 2023.
WHO India is assisting the country reach the goal of malaria elimination through strengthened surveillance, quality-assured malaria diagnosis and treatment, integrated vector management, monitoring and capacity building,
WMD 2023 was commemorated in New Delhi jointly by National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control and WHO Country India, with around 200 officials and experts participating from national and state levels, including from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, National Centre or Disease Control, Indian Council of Medical Research, state programmes, partner organizations and stakeholders.
