Malaria, though claimed to be controlled in good measure, remains a killer disease.
According to WHO, there were 249 million deaths globally in 2022. 94% of malaria incidence is reported to be in the African region.
The Theme for 2024 is: “Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world”
WHO statement says: “In recent years, progress in reducing malaria has ground to a standstill. Not only does malaria continue to directly endanger health and cost lives, but it also perpetuates a vicious cycle of inequity… People living in the most vulnerable situations including pregnant women, infants, children under 5 years of age, refugees, migrants, internally displaced people, and Indigenous Peoples continue to be disproportionately impacted.”
According to Indian reports, “Malaria remains one of the major public health problems in India. The country carries 1.7% of the global malaria case burden.
Though the Malaria Control and Eradication Program is in place, reports say that between 2020 and 2021, the incidence of malaria cases increased by 2.3% from 3.24 to 3.17.
Malaria in India is mainly caused by two major malaria parasites: 1. P. falciparum and 2. P. vivax. Malaria imposes heav health hazards and economic burden on families.
Distribution of malaria:
Malaria affects all population groups, regardless of gender/ age, although children and pregnant women are at higher risk. During June to September, the country experiences the monsoon, characterized by heavy rains across different states.
Malaria in India is especially prevalent in the north-eastern, eastern and central parts of the country. Hilly and forest areas, slow moving streams, conflict-affected areas, with inadequate access and health infrastructure are more prone to malaria incidence. Lack of proper community awareness on malaria prevention and control among the tribal and marginalised population also contributes to mosquito menace.
Vector management tools are: insecticides, environmental modification, and bed nets. However, mosquitoes becone resistent to insecticides. Researches are on to find strategies to control the tiny insect population. Make in India startups are groping in the dark.