vector-borne diseases

Malaria elimination in India

India has made major progress toward malaria elimination under its National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016–2030), with cases falling by around 80% between 2015 and 2023. Many districts have already reported zero indigenous cases, and the country has exited the WHO High Burden to High Impact group. The strategy now focuses on strong surveillance through the “Test, Treat and Track” approach, universal access to diagnosis and treatment, and intensified vector control.

However, challenges remain in the form of migration, urban malaria, hard-to-reach tribal and forested areas, and the persistence of Plasmodium vivax, which can relapse. Drug and insecticide resistance are also emerging concerns. India aims to achieve zero indigenous cases by 2027 and full elimination by 2030, but success will depend on accurate reporting, strong urban and community participation, and preventing re-establishment of transmission in malaria-free areas.

URBAN MOSQUITO THREAT PUTS INDIA'S MALARIA ELIMINATION GOAL AT RISK

India has significantly reduced malaria cases, but the spread of the invasive city-breeding mosquito Anopheles stephensi is increasing urban malaria and threatening the goal of elimination by 2030. High-burden pockets remain in Odisha and parts of the Northeast, with added challenges from asymptomatic infections, difficult terrain and cross-border transmission. Government initiatives such as the National Framework and Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination focus on stronger surveillance, vector control, community participation and improved access to diagnosis and treatment to achieve zero indigenous cases by 2027.