Health Ministry: malaria cases down over 97% since Independence; zero cases in 122 districts in 2023
The Health Ministry said on 25 December 2024 that India's annual malaria cases fell from about 7.5 crore at Independence to 20 lakh in 2023, with zero cases in 122 districts that year.
Summary
India's annual malaria cases have fallen by over 97%, from an estimated 7.5 crore at Independence to about 20 lakh in 2023, and malaria deaths from about 8 lakh to 83, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on 25 December 2024, citing the WHO's World Malaria Report 2024. Zero malaria cases were reported in 122 districts in 2023. Of the 10 States and UTs classed as high burden (Category 3) in 2015, only Mizoram and Tripura remained in that category in 2023, while 24 States and UTs were in Category 1, with fewer than one case per 1,000 people. The government is working under the National Framework for Malaria Elimination and the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023-2027) towards malaria-free status by 2030.
Key facts
- Cases
- About 7.5 crore at Independence to 20 lakh in 2023 (over 97% reduction)
- Deaths
- About 8 lakh to 83 (2023)
- Zero-case districts
- 122 in 2023
- Category 3 in 2023
- Only Mizoram and Tripura (10 States/UTs in 2015)
- Category 1 in 2023
- 24 States/UTs (API below 1 per 1,000)
- Strategy
- National Framework for Malaria Elimination; National Strategic Plan 2023-2027
- Goal
- Malaria-free by 2030
- Reference
- WHO World Malaria Report 2024
Practice MCQs 3 questions
In how many districts were zero malaria cases reported in 2023, according to the Health Ministry's update of 25 December 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 122
PIB (Health Ministry): in 2023, zero malaria cases were reported in 122 districts across various States.
Which two States remained in the high-burden Category 3 for malaria in 2023, as per the Health Ministry's December 2024 update?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Mizoram and Tripura
PIB (Health Ministry): of the 10 States/UTs in Category 3 in 2015, only Mizoram and Tripura remained in Category 3 in 2023; Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Meghalaya moved to Category 2.
What is the period of India's National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination cited in the Health Ministry's December 2024 update?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 2023-2027
PIB (Health Ministry): the government is working through the National Framework for Malaria Elimination and the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023-2027), aiming for malaria-free status by 2030.