Description
Introduction
Malaria is a major public health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and South America. In 2020, there were an estimated 241 million cases of malaria worldwide, and 627,000 deaths.
Odisha, India, is one of the most malaria-affected states in the country. In 2016, Odisha accounted for about 40 percent of India's malaria burden and one-third of South Asia's malaria burden. Malaria transmission in Odisha is particularly high in remote and forest areas, where access to healthcare services is limited.
Methodology
In order to address the challenge of malaria in Odisha, the Government of Odisha launched a comprehensive initiative in 2016. The initiative adopted a multi-pronged approach to reduce malaria cases in remote and areas with high transmission. The following strategies were implemented:
Mass testing and treatment campaigns: Mass testing and treatment campaigns were conducted in 13 districts with an Annual parasite index (API) of more than 10. These campaigns involved testing all individuals in the target districts for malaria and providing treatment to those who tested positive.
Distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs): More than 11.6 million LLINs were distributed to households in the target districts. LLINs are nets that have been treated with insecticide to kill mosquitoes. They are a highly effective way to prevent malaria transmission.
Equipping ASHAs with rapid diagnostic kits and anti-malarial drugs: ASHAs (community level health workers) were equipped with rapid diagnostic kits and anti-malarial drugs to enable them to test and treat malaria cases at the community level.
Community mobilization: Community mobilization activities were conducted by ASHAs to raise awareness of malaria and to promote the use of LLINs and other preventive measures.
Strengthening of the supply chain management system: The supply chain management system was strengthened up to the village level to ensure that there was a reliable supply of LLINs, anti-malarial drugs, and other supplies.
Setting up additional microscopy centers: Additional microscopy centers were set up at primary center level to provide supportive supervision to ASHAs and for fast-tracking confirmation of diagnosis and post-treatment parasitological clearance.
Results
The initiative was highly successful and the malaria cases in Odisha declined from about 444 thousand in 2016 to 20.7 thousand in 2022. The Test Positivity Rate (TPR) reduced to 0.29 in 2022 from 6.18 in 2016 and Annual parasite index (API) has also come down to 0.52 in 2022 from 10.24 in 2016.
Conclusion
The evidence-based and multi-pronged strategy adopted in Odisha highlights the importance of adapting malaria control strategies to local contexts. In Odisha, the initiative's success can be credited to its focus on remote and high-risk areas, community engagement, strengthening supply chain, and integrated approach combining vector control, mass screening, and treatment.
| Contact Geneva Health Forum | I would like to receive information about the GHF 2024 conference and other GHF activities / Je souhaite recevoir des informations sur la conférence GHF 2024 et d'autres activités du GHF. |
|---|
