Parliament Question: Malaria Eradication Programme

GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE LOK SABHA UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 2358 TO BE ANSWERED ON13.02.2026 MALARIAERADICATIONPROGRAMME 2358: SHRIVK SREEKANDAN: Will the MINISTER OFHEALTHAND FAMILYWELFAREbe pleased toState: (a) whether it is a fact that the invasive vector Anopheles stephensi has emerged in metropolitan areas, posing a national concern and threatening India’s goal of eliminating malaria by the year 2030 and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether it is a fact that the Government is considering strengthening surveillance systems, enhancing vector monitoring and improving supply chain reliability as top priorities to address this challenge and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether it is a fact that the country continues to face key challenges in eradicating malaria that require urgent attention and if so, the details thereof; and (d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard? ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATEIN MINISTRYOFHEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE (SMT.ANUPRIYAPATEL) (a) & (b) Public Health is a State Subject and the responsibility for strengthening of healthcare system lies with respective State/Union Territory Governments. However, Under National Health Mission (NHM), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India provides financial and technical support to the States/UTs in an integrated manner for control of Vector Borne Diseases including Malaria based on the Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs) submitted by the States/UTs within their overall resource envelope. Anopheles stephensi is a well-established urban malaria vector in metropolitan cities/towns of India. The vector control/vector surveillance is carried out regularly in urban areas/metropolitan cities/towns of the country. The elimination strategies for Malaria are effective and not threatened by any specific vector. The National Center for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) is strengthening surveillance systems through on-boarding of all 36 states/UTs on Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) for real time monitoring ofmalaria situation. To improve supply chain reliability, Drug Vaccine Distribution & Management System (DVDMS) portal for stock related monitoring has been rolled out. (c) & (d) As the risk of Vector Borne Diseases increases during monsoon and post monsoon period, Government of India starts preparatory activities well before the monsoon season and following measures are being undertaken to prevent and control spread of Vector Borne Diseases like Malaria:-  Disease Management involving early case detection with active and passive surveillance followed by complete and effective treatment, strengthening of referral services, epidemic preparedness and rapid response.  Integrated Vector Management including Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in selected high risk areas, Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in high malaria endemic areas, use of larvivorous fish, anti-larval measures in urban areas including bio-larvicide and minor environmental engineering and source reduction for prevention of breeding.  Additional support is provided under the Global Fund for 10 high priority states to strengthen the malaria elimination efforts.  Supportive Interventions including Behaviour Change Communication (BCC), Inter- Sectoral Convergence and Human Resource Development through capacity building. *******