Campaign to Eradicate Malaria | 21 Jun 2024

The Uttar Pradesh government has launched an intensified campaign to eradicate Malaria from the state by 2027.

This initiative involves thorough investigation and complete treatment of every malaria case.

June is Anti-Malaria Month under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, with 771 malaria cases reported in the state this year.
- Efforts include improved case reporting, management, and increased epidemiological and entomological investigations, as well as accelerated vector control measures.
According to the officials, health workers are conducting extensive surveys and tests, and community education on malaria prevention and symptoms is ongoing.
With the monsoon expected in late June, a critical period for mosquito-borne diseases, extensive activities are planned to prevent malaria.
- These include insecticide spraying and fogging, and community awareness seminars.

Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito borne blood disease caused by plasmodium parasites.
- There are 5 Plasmodium parasite species that cause malaria in humans and 2 of these species P. falciparum and P. vivax pose the greatest threat.
Malaria is predominantly found in the tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, South America as well as Asia.
Malaria is spread by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
- The mosquito becomes infected after biting an infected person. The malaria parasites then enter the bloodstream of the next person the mosquito bites. The parasites travel to the liver, mature, and then infect red blood cells.
Symptoms of malaria include fever and flu-like illness, including shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. Notably, malaria is both preventable and curable.

NVBDCP is the central nodal agency for prevention and control of six vector borne diseases i.e. Malaria, Dengue, Lymphatic Filariasis, Kala-azar, Japanese Encephalitis and Chikungunya in India. It works under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.