16 Districts of Arunachal Pradesh are free from Malaria
Naharlagun (Arunachal Pradesh) : The 3-Days State Review Meeting on Malaria was held on 10th march 2025 and will continue until 12th march 2025 at hotel Dhassang, Naharlagun. The meeting was chaired by Dr. K.T. Mulung, Deputy Director of Health Services-cum-State Programme Officer (SPO), NCVBDC, and was attended by key dignitaries, including Dr. L.S. Singh, Senior CMO (SAG), RoH&FW, GOI, Shillong, Shri Marge Sora, APCS (MD NHM), and Dr. Marbom Basar, Director of Family Welfare.
During the meeting, Dr. Mulung provided an overview of the state’s malaria elimination efforts, emphasizing that the Annual Parasite Index (API) remains below 1, reflecting effective control measures. Arunachal Pradesh was recognized for its achievements with a Certificate of Appreciation by GOI in the year 2022 for being one of the best performing state in malaria elimination. Two additional districts were declared malaria-free between 2022 and 2024, bringing the total number of malaria-free districts to 16. Notably, the state has not reported any malaria-related deaths for last eight years, highlighting the success of ongoing prevention and control initiatives.
Dr. L.S. Singh underscored the importance of sustaining malaria elimination through enhanced surveillance strategies. He stressed the need to sustained Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER) above 7 to ensure effective monitoring and to implement the National Framework for Malaria Elimination. Proper distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and strengthening cross-border disease notification were also highlighted as crucial measures to prevent the reintroduction of malaria. Additionally, the transition from paper-based reporting at primary health centers to a digital system (IHIP) is expected to improve data management and streamline disease surveillance. The meeting also addressed the growing concern over dengue, with discussions on declaring it a notifiable disease to enhance monitoring and control efforts.
Dr. Marbom Basar commended the NVBDCP team for their dedication and urged districts to share best practices to improve efficiency across the state. He emphasized the need for early detection, proactive surveillance, and increased blood slide collection, particularly among individuals traveling from endemic areas. He also highlighted the importance of local innovations tailored to sustaining malaria-free zones and strengthening disease control mechanisms.
Similarly, Dr. Marge Sora, Mission Director (NHM) stressed the significance of efficient administration, time management, and integrated resource management in achieving malaria elimination. He reiterated that performance-based funding would be prioritized to ensure the successful implementation of disease control programs. He also cautioned that any negligence in malaria surveillance and control could lead to potential outbreaks, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and commitment.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks. This State Review Meeting reaffirmed Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment to malaria elimination and the broader goal of strengthening vector-borne disease control efforts. Through sustained initiatives, strategic interventions, and cross-sector collaboration, the state aims to maintain public health excellence and set a benchmark for disease control at the national level.
