Will India Eradicate Malaria By 2027?

India's ambitious malaria eradication goal faces a few hurdles despite progress made and the industry efforts.

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Malaria is a significant global health concern. According to the WHO World Malaria Report 2023, the global tally of malaria cases reached 24.9 crore in 2022, surpassing pre-COVID-19 estimates. This increase of 50 lakh cases compared to the previous year highlights the ongoing threat posed by this mosquito-borne disease.

Although India, given its vast population, plays a crucial role in the global malaria burden, there is some good news. The recently released World Malaria Report indicates that India has made substantial progress in malaria control.

In 2022, the country reported an estimated 33.8 lakh cases and 5,511 deaths due to malaria, representing a decline of 30 percent in incidence and 34 percent in mortality compared to the previous year. However, given that India wants to achieve the target of zero cases by 2027, further efforts may be required to be made at various levels.

Dr Brunda, Consultant - Internal Medicine at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, says, “Nearly 87 percent of malaria cases in Southeast Asia are reported from India.” However, she acknowledges the strides taken. “India has advanced significantly. Since 2010, the number of cases has decreased by 70 percent.”

Global tally of malaria cases reached 24.9 crores in 2022, surpassing pre-COVID-19 estimates, according to the WHO World Malaria Report 2023.