India’s fight against malaria is a testament to its remarkable public health progress. At the time of independence in 1947, malaria was a severe public health crisis, with the country recording a staggering 75 million annual cases and over 800,000 deaths. Today, after decades of sustained efforts, India has achieved an extraordinary reduction in malaria cases—down to just 2.27 lakh in 2023—and deaths, which have fallen to a mere 83. This transformation reflects the nation’s relentless determination to combat the disease and improve the health of its people.

The World Health Organization’s World Malaria Report 2024 highlights India’s impressive progress in its fight against the disease. Between 2017 and 2023, the country saw a significant decline in malaria cases and related deaths. The global recognition of this progress came in 2024 when India exited the WHO’s “High Burden to High Impact” (HBHI) group, marking a pivotal milestone in its malaria elimination journey. This success is rooted in India’s robust public health initiatives and its vision to achieve malaria-free status by 2030.

Over the years, India’s states and Union Territories (UTs) have shown considerable progress in reducing malaria incidence. Since 2015, many regions have transitioned to lower disease burden categories, showcasing the effectiveness of targeted interventions. By 2023, states like Ladakh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry reported zero indigenous malaria cases, qualifying them for subnational verification of malaria elimination. This achievement underscores the country’s focus on addressing the unique challenges of high-burden and tribal areas through tailored action plans.

The dramatic reduction in malaria cases and deaths from 2015 to 2023—by nearly 80%—is a reflection of India’s strengthened surveillance and diagnostic capacities. The Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER) saw a significant increase during this period, ensuring early detection and timely treatment of malaria cases. These improvements have been critical in halting the transmission of the disease.

India’s success is rooted in a multi-faceted approach combining strategic planning, community integration, and innovative interventions. The National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME), launched in 2016, provided a clear roadmap for achieving zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027. Building on this, the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023–2027) introduced advanced surveillance mechanisms, real-time data monitoring, and a focus on prompt case management through the “testing, treating, and tracking” approach.

Integrated Vector Management (IVM) has been central to India’s malaria control strategy. Measures such as Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and the widespread distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) have significantly reduced mosquito populations and disrupted the malaria transmission cycle. Urban malaria control efforts have also been bolstered by targeted management of the invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito.

Community engagement has played a vital role in India’s malaria elimination journey. By integrating malaria prevention and treatment services into the Ayushman Bharat health packages, the government has ensured that even the most vulnerable populations have access to essential healthcare. Grassroots-level workers, including Community Health Officers and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, have been instrumental in delivering these services effectively.

The government’s commitment to capacity building and research has further strengthened malaria elimination efforts. In 2024 alone, over 850 health professionals were trained to enhance diagnostic and intervention strategies. Research initiatives focusing on insecticide resistance and therapeutic efficacy have provided valuable insights for refining malaria control measures.

Collaborations and targeted funding have also played a crucial role in India’s progress. The Intensified Malaria Elimination Project-3 (IMEP-3), aimed at high-risk districts, has significantly enhanced resources for interventions like LLIN distribution, entomological studies, and surveillance system improvements. These efforts have been pivotal in sustaining and scaling up malaria elimination activities across the country.

As India looks to the future, its commitment to eliminating malaria remains steadfast. With a goal to achieve zero indigenous cases by 2027 and complete malaria elimination by 2030, the country is setting an inspiring example for the world. Through a combination of strategic frameworks, innovative approaches, and community engagement, India is not only achieving public health excellence but also creating a legacy of resilience and determination in the fight against malaria.