Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 25: On the occasion of World Malaria Day, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Singh Patel, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment towards achieving a 'Malaria-Free India'. The minister shared the country's progress in combating malaria while emphasizing the continued need for collective efforts to eliminate the disease.
In her message on social media, Patel highlighted this year’s World Malaria Day theme, “Malaria ends with us: Reinvest, reimagine, reignite,” aimed at revitalizing global and community efforts to eliminate malaria. She urged people to unite in spreading awareness about the life-threatening disease, which is both preventable and curable.
"On the occasion of World Malaria Day, it is the responsibility of all of us to spread awareness about a deadly disease like malaria and make collective efforts to eradicate it," said Patel. "The Government of India is continuously working towards the goal of 'Malaria Free India.' Let us all together make this campaign a success," she added.
India is striving to eliminate malaria by 2030, with a specific goal of achieving zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027. The country has already made significant strides, with a remarkable 69 percent decrease in malaria cases and a 68 percent reduction in malaria-related deaths between 2017 and 2023, as reported in the latest World Malaria Report 2024 by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Patel urged the public to take preventive measures to combat malaria. "Keep cleanliness, protect yourself from mosquitoes, wear full-sleeve clothes, use a mosquito net and repellent, and get yourself checked immediately if you have a fever," she advised.
The WHO has also acknowledged India’s progress, noting that the country now contributes only 0.8 percent of global malaria cases. India’s exit from the WHO's High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024 stands as a significant milestone in public health.
Globally, malaria continues to be a serious public health issue, with nearly 600,000 deaths in 2023 alone, the majority of which were in the African Region. However, significant progress has been made, with the WHO certifying 45 countries and 1 territory as malaria-free. Many other nations with low malaria burdens are steadily advancing toward the goal of elimination.
Patel’s call to action serves as a reminder that while great progress has been made, continued awareness, prevention, and community engagement are essential in the fight against malaria.