Tue Jan 13 18:17:01 UTC 2026: # Tamil Nadu Nears Malaria Eradication Goal, Chennai Remains Key Challenge

The Story:
Tamil Nadu is making significant strides in its fight against malaria, with 33 of its 38 districts reporting zero indigenous cases in the past three years. This progress aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) goal to eliminate malaria from India by 2030. While the overall number of cases in the state has dramatically decreased from 5,587 in 2015 to 321 in 2025, Chennai, along with four other districts, continues to be a challenge, accounting for a significant percentage of the state’s remaining malaria cases.

Despite ongoing surveillance and preventive measures, a substantial portion of the recent malaria cases are “imported,” originating from individuals entering Tamil Nadu from other malaria-endemic regions. Authorities are particularly focused on monitoring migrant laborers and cross-border movements to prevent the re-establishment of local transmission. A national conference is scheduled for January 19-21, 2026, to validate the zero-case status of the 33 districts and discuss further strategies for complete malaria elimination.

Key Points:

  • 33 out of 38 districts in Tamil Nadu have reported zero indigenous malaria cases in the past three years.
  • Chennai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Chengalpattu, and Salem are the remaining districts with ongoing malaria cases.
  • The number of malaria cases in Tamil Nadu has decreased significantly from 5,587 in 2015 to 321 in 2025.
  • A large percentage of recent cases are “imported,” raising concerns about migration and cross-border movement.
  • A national conference is scheduled for January 19-21, 2026, to review progress and issue malaria elimination certificates to qualifying districts.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tamil Nadu’s malaria eradication program is showing considerable success, demonstrating the effectiveness of surveillance and preventive measures.
  • The persistence of malaria in Chennai highlights the challenges of urban environments and population density in disease control.
  • “Imported” malaria cases pose a significant hurdle, requiring targeted interventions focused on migrant populations and border control.
  • The upcoming national conference will play a crucial role in validating progress and setting the stage for the final push towards malaria elimination.
  • The state is on track to potentially meet the 2030 national goal, but sustained efforts are needed in the remaining high-transmission areas.

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