As the world observed World Malaria Day on April 25th, India stands as a beacon of progress in the fight against this life-threatening disease. Marking a significant global milestone, India exited the World Health Organization’s (WHO) High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024, showcasing a 80.5% decline in malaria cases between 2015 and 2023. This press release was issued on April 25, 2025.
This achievement is further underscored by a 78.38% reduction in malaria-related deaths during the same period. In 2023 alone, 122 districts across the country reported zero malaria cases, demonstrating the impactful results of localized interventions.
The theme for World Malaria Day 2025, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” resonates strongly with India’s journey, highlighting the need for continued global commitment, innovative approaches, and collaborative efforts to eradicate the disease.
Once grappling with a high malaria burden, India’s success story is a testament of active grassroots participation, and targeted, evidence-driven interventions. The National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016–2030) and the recently launched National Strategic Plan (2023–2027) have provided a robust roadmap, aligning with global strategies while tailoring solutions to address specific local needs.
India is now firmly focused on achieving zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027 and complete elimination by 2030, setting a powerful example for global public health endeavors.
Key Strategies Driving India’s Success
- Intensified Malaria Elimination Project (IMEP)-3 targeting 159 high-burden districts across 12 states to accelerate elimination in vulnerable populations.
- Nationwide “Test, Treat, Track” Strategy ensuring early detection and prompt treatment of malaria cases.
- Robust Malaria Surveillance implementing a strong surveillance system as a cornerstone of elimination efforts.
- Universal Access to Diagnosis and Treatment by enhancing and optimizing case management across the country.
- Universal Access to Prevention by scaling up and optimizing vector control measures, including the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs).
- Aggressive Elimination Efforts by implementing targeted strategies to achieve a malaria-free status.
- Strategic Research and Information Generation by promoting research to inform effective prevention and elimination strategies and prevent the re-establishment of transmission.
- Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) through community engagement through mass media campaigns and leveraging local influencers.
- Collaborating with various ministries and stakeholders to address the socio-economic and environmental factors contributing to malaria.
- Training over 850 health professionals in 2024 and conducting crucial studies on insecticide resistance and therapeutic efficacy.
- The National Framework for Malaria Elimination categorizes regions by prevalence, with intensified control measures focused on high-burden areas.
- Ensuring financial support for key interventions like LLIN distribution, entomological surveillance, and data-driven monitoring.
- Incorporating malaria services under Ayushman Bharat and delivering them through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Community Health Officers.
On World Malaria Day 2025, India’s journey from a high-burden country to a global leader in malaria control stands as an inspiring testament to strategic planning, resilient health systems, and the power of community participation. As the nation moves closer to its ambitious elimination goals, the message is clear: sustained investment, innovative approaches, and collective resolve are crucial to achieving a malaria-free future for all. Under the banner of “Malaria Ends With Us,” every effort counts in this shared responsibility.
