GUWAHATI: Malaria cases and deaths have seen a decline in India between 2017-2023 and exited from the WHO’s High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024, according to the latest World Malaria Report 2024 by the World Health Organization (WHO) while efforts are on to make the country malaria-free by 2030 and achieve zero Indigenous cases by 2027.
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Many states have successfully transitioned to lower burden categories, with 24 states and Union Territories now reporting an Annual Parasite Incidence (API) of less than one case per 1,000 people. States such as Ladakh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry are now in Category 0, with zero indigenous malaria cases.
From 2015 to 2023, malaria cases dropped by around 80%, from 1.17 million to 227,564, while deaths reduced from 384 to just 83. This progress is attributed to India’s multi-pronged strategy, which includes the National Framework for Malaria Elimination, Integrated Vector Management, and enhanced surveillance systems. The government’s focus on community health and the inclusion of malaria services in the Ayushman Bharat health packages have ensured that people receive essential care.
At the time of independence in 1947, malaria was a major public health threat, causing around 7.5 crore cases annually and claiming 800,000 lives. Over the years, relentless efforts have led to a reduction in malaria cases and deaths.