India’s Exit from the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) Group for Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through Anopheles mosquitoes, leading to fever, chills, and severe health complications.

Table of Contents

Context: India has made significant progress in malaria control, enabling its exit from the HBHI category.

Malaria Disease

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Africa, South Asia, and South America.

Key Strategies for Malaria Reduction

Disease Management

Early Case Detection:
- Active, passive and sentinel surveillance for rapid identification of malaria cases.
- Effective treatment and strengthened referral services.
Epidemic Preparedness & Rapid Response: Ensuring quick interventions to control outbreaks.

Integrated Vector Management

Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS): Used in selected high-risk areas.
Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs): Distributed in high malaria-endemic areas.
Larval Control Measures:
- Use of larvivorous fish to control mosquito larvae.
- Anti-larval interventions using bio-larvicides.
- Environmental engineering to prevent mosquito breeding in urban areas.

Supportive Interventions

Behaviour Change Communication (BCC): Educating communities about malaria prevention.
Inter-Sectoral Convergence: Coordination between different government departments for effective malaria control.
Human Resource Development: Training and capacity building of healthcare professionals to improve malaria management

Causes and Transmission of Malaria Disease

Caused by Plasmodium species (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. knowlesi).
Spread through mosquito bites, blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from mother to child during childbirth.

Symptoms

High fever, chills, and sweating
Headache and muscle pain
Fatigue and nausea
Severe cases can lead to organ failure, anaemia, and cerebral malaria

Prevention & Treatment

Prevention: Mosquito control measures (nets, repellents, insecticides), vaccination (RTS,S), and preventive medications.
Treatment: Antimalarial drugs like artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), chloroquine, and primaquine, depending on the type and severity of infection.