To galvanise preventive activities being undertaken by States
News Source: PIB
NATIONAL, September 11, 2025: Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda reviewed the current Dengue and Malaria situation in the country with a view to galvanizing preventive activities being undertaken by the States Thursday. The meeting was attended by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava and senior officers of the Union Health Ministry.
During the review Nadda took stock of the current status and key challenges in the prevention and control of Dengue and Malaria. He urged states, local bodies and communities to intensify preventive and control measures particularly during this high-risk period to safeguard public health and sustain the gains made in reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases.
The Union Health Minister also issued an advisory to all Chief Ministers urging them to remain vigilant in the coming months and to intensify preventive measures as well as community awareness activities for effective control of Dengue and Malaria.
The Union Health Minister underlined that India has made significant progress in combating Malaria. The country has achieved a reduction of over 78% in malaria cases and nearly 78% in malaria-related deaths between 2015 and 2024. Further, 160 districts have reported zero malaria cases between 2022-24, and 33 States/Union Territories have achieved API (Annual Parasite Incidence) less than one, except three states.
The Government of India has launched multiple initiatives towards malaria elimination, including the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023-27), implementation of the Integrated Health Management Platform (IHIP) for real-time monitoring, enhanced ASHA incentives, large-scale distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), refresher trainings for laboratory technicians, and recognition of districts achieving “Zero Malaria” status. India has set the goal of eliminating malaria by 2030.
On Dengue, Nadda noted that all States/UTs (except Ladakh) are endemic to Dengue and Chikungunya, and the risk of outbreaks is highest in the monsoon and post-monsoon period. The National Dengue Control Strategy is being implemented through State Vector-Borne Disease Cells with a focus on surveillance, case management, vector control, inter-sectoral coordination and community awareness.
The government of India has also strengthened diagnostic capacity with 869 Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals and 27 Apex Referral Laboratories providing free testing facilities. During 2025 (till date) more than 5,520 Dengue and 2,530 Chikungunya diagnostic kits have been supplied to the States.
Intensive IEC activities, observance of Anti-Dengue Month (July) and National Dengue Day (May 16) and illumination of India Gate on World NTD Day (January 30) were part of the nationwide campaign to accelerate preventive measures.
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