Meghalaya has made significant progress towards the global fight against malaria with deaths dropping from 79 in 2015 to just three last year, as per official figures.
From 48603 cases of malaria in 2015, the entire state in 2021 recorded just 483 cases.
The state is now moving from the intensified control phase to the elimination phase of the disease.
It may be mentioned that an analysis of the State Epidemiological Situation from 1997 to 2019 reveals that the State reported the highest deaths caused due to malaria in the year 2007 with 237 deaths. Out of this, 117 deaths alone were reported from West Garo Hills District.
Officials said that the innovative ‘Tura Model’ of saving lives of hundreds of poor people in the interior villages of Meghalaya affected by Malaria has brought drastic reduction in the mortality rate.
Meanwhile, the State was awarded by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare today for best performance in reducing the malaria burden during the World Malaria Day function held in New Delhi.
Deputy Director cum State Programme Officer of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Dr Bibha R. Marak accepted the award on behalf of the State.
Health Minister, James Sangma said with the reduction of malaria cases, Meghalaya has now moved from category three to one which has now shifted the state from a malaria intensified control phase to an elimination phase.
“I would like to congratulate the team at NVBDCP and everyone involved, whose efforts have enabled us to achieve this milestone,” he tweeted.
