WHO calls for concerted efforts to reduce malaria burden - The India Saga

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WHO calls for concerted efforts to reduce malaria burden

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said called upon countries to invest in and harness the latest technological advances to…

WHO calls for concerted efforts to reduce malaria burden

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said called upon countries to invest in and harness the latest technological advances to reduce malaria burden, particularly in the nations with a high burden of disease which includes India. 

New vector control interventions, improved diagnostics and new anti-malarial medicines all hold out the prospect of accelerated progress. Meeting the Region-wide target to eliminate malaria by 2030 requires agile thinking and a willingness to be bold, meaning all avenues must be explored, and all effective tools embraced. This is particularly important given the threat posed by multi-drug and insecticide resistance, the WHO has said ahead of the World Malaria Day..

The world has made significant progress in reducing malariaÂs deadly burden. Between 2000 and 2015 the incidence rate of malaria is estimated to have decreased by 37%. Malaria mortality was slashed by 60%, with the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of halting and reversing malaria incidence convincingly met.

The South-East Asia Region is part of this story. The Region reached the malaria-related MDG targets. More recently, between 2010 and 2015 it cut case incidence by an estimated 54% and the malaria mortality rate by an estimated 46%. In 2015 and 2016 respectively, Maldives and Sri Lanka were certified malaria-free  a stunning achievement by any standard. But further progress must be forged, says Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, South East Asia Region, WHO. 

Malaria remains endemic in nine of the RegionÂs 11 countries. Multi-drug resistance  including to artemisinin-based combination therapies  is an ever-present threat, as is resistance of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes to insecticides. Across the Region, domestic funding for malaria prevention and control has declined, even as the need for more innovative and localized solutions has increased. Renewed focus is needed.  

India has a high burden of malaria with Odisha accounting for about 38% of malaria cases and 28% malaria deaths in 2015. At present, the estimated population at a high risk of malaria is 24 million. Malaria affects 22 districts of the total 30 districts of the State.

As the theme of this yearÂs World Malaria Day emphasizes, enhancing prevention is a critical means of closing the gap and ending malaria for good. Though policy must always respond to local needs, there are powerful strategies that can accelerate gains, Ms Khetrapal Singh says.

Key among them is vector control. By controlling the mosquitoes that transmit malaria we can significantly diminish malaria transmission and hence disease burden. Two highly effective ways to do this is by ensuring affected communities have access to long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets, and by carrying out indoor residual spraying. In 2015 alone indoor residual spraying was estimated to protect 106 million people worldwide, including upwards of 41 million in India.    
 
Ensuring these tools reach vulnerable groups is essential. Malaria transmission in the Region occurs primarily among hard-to-reach, often disadvantaged or neglected communities, including tribal and migrant or mobile populations. These communities must be empowered to act, and must be fully engaged in programme implementation. Even within these communities, special efforts must be made to protect pregnant women and children under five years of age. There are a number of strategies that can do this and which antenatal services in high-risk areas should be in a position to deploy, the WHO has said.

The South-East Asia Region has shown what it can achieve. A malaria-free Region is possible. Through strong political commitment, integrated strategies aimed at reaching the unreached, and a willingness to harness the power of cutting-edge tools, malariaÂs centuries-long burden can be lifted, believes Ms Khetrapal Singh. 

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