Bhubaneswar: A total of 134,436 malaria cases were reported in Odisha over the last three years, as informed by Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling in the state assembly on Monday. In response to a question from Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud, Minister Mahaling shared the breakdown of malaria cases in the state for the years 2022 to 2024. In 2022, 23,770 cases were reported, leading to 5 deaths. In 2023, the number of cases rose to 41,973, with 4 deaths and in 2024 (provisional data) there were 68,693 cases, resulting in 6 deaths.
Steps Taken for Malaria Prevention and Control
- Minister Mahaling also outlined the steps taken by the government to control malaria in the state:
- Malaria diagnosis and treatment facilities are available free of cost in all government health centers across the state.
- A total of 48,905 trained Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) have been deployed at the village level to ensure early diagnosis and complete treatment. Rapid Diagnostic Kits (RDK) are provided to all ASHAs for quick diagnosis.
- 853 persons have been appointed as Alternate Field Technical Deputies (FTDs) to conduct regular surveillance in remote and inaccessible villages of high-risk malaria districts.
- The special initiative DAMaN (Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakaran) is being implemented across 21 districts, focusing on remote and malarial villages.
- Approximately 40 lakh Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) have been distributed free of charge to 7 high malaria-prone districts: Boudh, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, and Rayagada, in the year 2024-25.
- Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) has been carried out in areas with a high risk of malaria infection.
- 193 mosquito larval fish hatcheries have been set up in the state for biological vector control.
- World Malaria Day, Malaria Control Month, and various innovative IEC/BCC campaigns are being conducted to raise public awareness. A total of 71,389 IEC boards with malaria-related posters have been installed in schools to educate students.
- Various categories of department employees have been trained in collaboration with ROH&FW-Bhubaneswar, AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, and state government medical colleges and hospitals.
- Review meetings and technical working groups have been formed at the state, district, and block levels for the prevention and control of malaria. Additionally, timely advisories, SOPs, and guidelines have been sent to all districts to ensure effective malaria control.