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Malaria: A Comprehensive Overview and India's Malaria Control Programme

Last Updated on Jan 06, 2025
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Malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, remains a significant global health challenge. 

Malaria Disease is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the Science and technology subject in the General Studies Paper-3 syllabus.

This article provides a detailed overview of malaria, its prevalence in India, initiatives taken to control the disease, and the conclusion of ongoing efforts to combat it.

Malaria

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, primarily transmitted through the female Anopheles mosquito. The parasites multiply in the liver and then infect red blood cells, leading to symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, and flu-like illness. If left untreated, malaria can progress to severe complications, potentially resulting in death.

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Highlights of the World Malaria Report 2022

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued the World Malaria Report 2022. Here are the highlights from the World Malaria Report 2022:

  • The number of malaria cases and deaths have continued to rise over the past few years after several years of progress. In 2021, there were 241 million malaria cases and 627,000 deaths worldwide.
  • Malaria cases increased by 14 million and deaths by 69,000 between 2019 and 2021. This reverses gains made over the previous years.
  • Funding for malaria programs has plateaued in recent years, reaching $3.3 billion in 2020. This is still far short of the $7.3 billion needed by 2030 to stay on track for malaria elimination goals.
  •  Fourteen countries - the majority in Africa - accounted for 85% of all malaria cases worldwide in 2021. Nigeria alone accounted for 27% of cases globally.
  • Progress against malaria has stalled in several African countries. Cases increased significantly in high burden countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria and Mozambique.
  • Despite progress, malaria continues to disproportionately affect the world's poorest countries. The highest malaria burden is in sub-Saharan Africa where more than 90% of cases and deaths occur.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities and disrupted key malaria programs, further stalling progress against the disease in recent years.
  • WHO urges governments and health partners to step up the fight against malaria with increased funding, new tools and drugs, and sustained community efforts. Swift action is needed to get back on track to reduce malaria cases and deaths.

Read the article Lymphatic Filariasis.

Spread of the Disease

Malaria is a disease that can spread from one person to another through the bite of a certain kind of mosquito called the female Anopheles mosquito. When a mosquito bites a person who has malaria, it sucks up tiny parasites called Plasmodium that live in the person's blood. These parasites then grow and multiply inside the mosquito.

After some time, when the mosquito bites another person, it injects these parasites into the person's blood. This is how the disease spreads. So, if there are many infected mosquitoes in an area, there is a higher chance of getting malaria.

Read the article about Difference Between Dengue and Malaria here.

Life Cycle of the Vector Mosquito

The life cycle of the mosquito that spreads malaria has different stages. Let's understand each stage:

Egg: The mosquito starts as an egg. The female mosquito lays her eggs in water or in places where water collects, like puddles or ponds.

Larva: When the egg hatches, a larva comes out. The larva lives in the water and looks like a small, wiggly creature with a head and a tail. It breathes air through a tube it sticks out of the water's surface.

Pupa: After some time, the larva changes into a pupa. The pupa doesn't move much and hangs at the water's surface. It doesn't eat during this stage.

Adult: Eventually, the pupa splits open, and an adult mosquito comes out. It takes a few moments for its wings to dry, and then it can fly away.

The female mosquito needs blood to lay her eggs, so she bites animals or humans. If she bites a person who has malaria, she can become infected with the malaria parasites. Then, when she bites another person, she can pass on the parasites and spread the disease.

Prevalence of Malaria in India

India bears a substantial burden of malaria cases, particularly in the rural areas. The country is endemic for malaria, with a significant number of cases reported annually. The disease is prevalent mainly in states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and the northeastern states, where environmental conditions are conducive to mosquito breeding.

Malaria Control Programme in India

To combat malaria, India has implemented a robust Malaria Control Programme. This program aims to reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality through a multi-pronged approach involving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Key components of the program include:

Prevention

  • Distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) to vulnerable populations.
  • Indoor residual spraying (IRS) to control mosquito populations.
  •  Larval source management to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
  • Health education campaigns to promote personal protection measures like using mosquito repellents and wearing protective clothing.

Diagnosis

  •  Prompt and accurate diagnosis using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and microscopy.
  • Improved access to diagnostic facilities in remote areas.

Treatment

  •  Availability of effective antimalarial drugs.
  • Early detection and prompt treatment of malaria cases.
  • Strengthening healthcare systems to ensure access to quality healthcare services.

Initiatives to Curb Malaria

Several initiatives have been undertaken in India to curb malaria, including:

National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP)

Jan Andolan for Malaria-Free India

  • A nationwide movement launched to engage communities, stakeholders, and individuals in malaria control efforts.
  • Aims to create awareness, promote community participation, and strengthen preventive measures.

Strengthening Health Systems

  • Capacity building of healthcare workers through training programs.
  • Strengthening laboratory services for accurate diagnosis.
  •  Enhanced surveillance and monitoring of malaria cases.

World Malaria Day
  • World Malaria Day was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2007 to recognize global efforts to control and eliminate malaria.
  • The day aims to raise awareness of the need for continued investment and action to control and eliminate malaria as well as honor those who have lost their lives to the disease.
  • Malaria remains one of the world's leading killers, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2020, there were an estimated 241 million malaria cases and 627,000 malaria deaths worldwide.
  • The WHO theme for World Malaria Day 2022 is "Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives." It highlights the need for new tools and strategies to combat malaria effectively.

Study the article Zoonotic Disease here.

Conclusion of Malaria

While progress has been made in malaria control, the battle against this disease is far from over. Efforts to combat malaria in India have yielded positive results, with a significant reduction in malaria-related deaths. However, challenges such as drug resistance and the resurgence of mosquito populations call for sustained efforts and innovation. Continued investments in research, infrastructure, and community engagement are crucial to achieving the goal of a malaria-free India.

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Malaria FAQs

Yes, malaria can be prevented by using insecticide-treated bed nets, applying mosquito repellents, and taking antimalarial medication if recommended.

Malaria is diagnosed through blood tests, including rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and microscopy, which detect the presence of malaria parasites in the blood.

Yes, malaria is treatable with antimalarial drugs. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for a successful recovery.

No, malaria is not contagious. It is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

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