Sun Jan 25 00:02:00 UTC 2026: # India Nears Malaria Elimination Goal, Faces Challenges in Final Push

The Story:
India is making significant strides towards its goal of eliminating malaria by 2030, according to a report published on January 25, 2026. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) reports that 160 districts across 23 States and UTs have reported zero indigenous malaria cases from 2022 to 2024. The country has already exited the WHO “High Burden to High Impact” Group, with malaria cases reduced by around 80% from 2015 to 2023. However, challenges remain, including migration from malaria-endemic neighboring States and the persistent transmission of Plasmodium vivax.

India is on track to achieve the WHO Global Technical Strategy (GTS) for malaria 2016-2030 target of at least a 75% reduction in incidence by 2025 (compared with a 2015 baseline), having already achieved reductions exceeding 70% by 2024, according to the World Malaria Report. Achieving the final elimination will require intensified surveillance, diagnostic capacity building, and targeted control measures in high-burden districts and urban areas, as well as addressing the growing threat of antimalarial drug resistance.

Key Points:

  • India aims to eliminate malaria by 2030, with an interim goal of interrupting transmission across the country by 2027.
  • 160 districts in 23 States and UTs reported zero indigenous cases between 2022 and 2024.
  • Malaria cases in India have reduced by approximately 80% from 2015 to 2023.
  • India accounted for 73.3% of the 2.7 million estimated malaria cases in the WHO South-East Asia Region in 2024.
  • Key challenges include migration from neighboring countries, persistent Plasmodium vivax transmission, and the threat of antimalarial drug resistance.
  • Tamil Nadu shows a decline from 5,587 cases in 2015 to 321 in 2025, with 33 of 38 districts reporting zero indigenous cases since 2023.

Key Takeaways:

  • India has made significant progress in reducing malaria incidence and mortality.
  • Eliminating malaria requires focused strategies targeting urban areas, migrant populations, and drug resistance.
  • Cross-border collaboration and regional coordination are crucial to address challenges posed by population movement and importation of cases.
  • Accuracy of data is paramount to the final push for malaria elimination.
  • The role of private practitioners and mandatory reporting of suspected cases are vital for strict public health surveillance.

Impact Analysis:

India’s success in malaria elimination will have a profound impact:

  • Public Health: Eliminating malaria will reduce morbidity and mortality, improving overall public health outcomes and reducing the strain on healthcare systems.
  • Economic Growth: A healthier population contributes to increased productivity and economic growth by reducing absenteeism and healthcare costs.
  • Regional Leadership: India’s success can serve as a model for other countries in the WHO South-East Asia Region, accelerating progress towards regional malaria elimination goals.
  • Global Health Security: Reducing the malaria burden in a highly populated region like India enhances global health security by preventing the spread of the disease internationally.
  • Innovation and Research: The malaria elimination program has fostered innovation in diagnostics, treatment, and vector control. Continued investment in research will lead to new tools and strategies to combat malaria.

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