Learnings from two independent malaria elimination demonstration projects in India

Abstract

Abstract Problem India and sub-Saharan Africa contributes about 85% of the global malaria burden, and India is committed to eliminating malaria by 2030. Approach Two novel initiatives—the Malaria Elimination Demonstration Project (MEDP) in Madhya Pradesh and Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakaran (DAMaN) in Odisha—were initiated independently to demonstrate that indigenous malaria can be eliminated in a short period of time. Local setting These initiatives focused on rural, tribal areas where there is a high malaria burden and complex epidemiology. Relevant changes The case management and vector control strategies used in these programmes were based on the national guidelines, with context-specific changes and introduction of accountability at management, operational, technical and financial levels. The MEDP achieved a 91% reduction in malaria cases and recorded zero transmission for 6 consecutive and a total of 9 mo. The DAMaN project brought about an 88% reduction in malaria cases. Lessons learned Malaria elimination will require robust surveillance and case management, monitoring of vector control interventions, community-centric information education communication and behaviour change communication initiatives and management controls, as well as regular internal and external reviews.