World Malaria Day celebrated

Naharlagun( Arunachal Pradesh) : The National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), under the Department of Health Services, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, successfully observed World Malaria Day 2026 at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) Office, Naharlagun. The programme was organized in alignment with the National theme, “Driven to End Malaria: Now we can. Now we must.”
The programme commenced with a warm and insightful Welcome Address by Dr. K.T. Mulung, Deputy Director of Health Services-cum-State Programme Officer (DDHS-cum-SPO), NCVBDC. In his address, he highlighted the critical role of sustained awareness, inter-sectoral coordination, and active community participation in preventing and controlling malaria. He also shared a significant milestone in the state’s malaria elimination journey, proudly announcing that 19 out of the 27 districts of Arunachal Pradesh have been declared malaria-free, reflecting remarkable progress in public health interventions across the state.
Furthermore, he noted that the state has now reached a low malaria burden, with only 32 reported cases in 2025, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing control measures.
The malaria-free districts include: Anjaw, Dibang Valley, East Kameng, East Siang, Kamle, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Leparada, Longding, Lower Dibang Valley, Lower Siang, Lower Subansiri, Namsai, Pakke Kessang, Siang, Tawang, Upper Subansiri, West Kameng, and West Siang.
Dr. Mulung commended the relentless efforts and dedication of healthcare workers, field staff, surveillance teams, and community volunteers whose collective contributions have been instrumental in achieving these milestones. He reiterated the department’s unwavering commitment to achieving a malaria-free Arunachal Pradesh by 2027, in line with national targets.
As part of the observance, a Malaria Pledge and slogan session was conducted, where all attendees actively participated and reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying efforts towards malaria prevention, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment. The session also highlighted the importance of community ownership in sustaining the gains achieved so far.
A short video presentation on malaria awareness and control measures was screened during the programme. The video effectively showcased impactful field stories, best practices, and the importance of timely intervention in reducing malaria burden.
The event witnessed the participation of senior health officials, programme officers, consultants, field staff, and other stakeholders, reflecting a strong collaborative approach towards malaria elimination.
The programme concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. P. J. Sharma, Consultant (Monitoring & Evaluation), NCVBDC. He expressed sincere gratitude to all dignitaries, officials, and participants for their valuable presence, active engagement, and continued support in strengthening malaria control initiatives in the state.