Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr. Manik Saha, recently attended the Asia Pacific Leaders Conclave on Malaria Elimination in New Delhi, where he discussed the challenge of malaria in the state. The Chief Minister committed to intensified efforts to achieve malaria elimination in line with the national timeline by 2030.
Tripura has been severely impacted by malaria, especially in hard-to-reach areas like the hilly terrain and forests. In 2014, the state experienced a devastating outbreak, with over 51,000 cases and 96 deaths. Since then, Tripura has scaled up its efforts to combat the disease.
Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya virtually addressed the Asia Pacific Leaders’ Conclave on Malaria Elimination in presence of Dr. Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr. R. Lalthamgliana, Minister, Health and Family Welfare Department, Mizoram, Dr. V.K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, and Dr Poonam Khetrepal, Regional Director, WHO-SEARO.
Dr. Saha highlighted that the number of screenings has increased significantly from 2016, covering 22.15% of the population in 2022. As a result, the number of cases has reduced to 12,771, which is only a quarter of the cases in 2014. The distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Bed Nets (LLIN) has been a crucial part of the state’s strategy. In 2015-16, 10.06 lakh LLINs were distributed, and over 9 lakh LLINs were distributed in 2019-20. In addition, vector control measures such as Larvicidal fish and Temephos spray have been implemented.
He acknowledged the support received from the Government of India, the Global Fund through the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program, and scientific organizations like ICMR. The state’s primary healthcare system has also been strengthened with 104 PHCs and 1018 sub-centres upgraded to Health and Wellness Centres. With almost one sub-centre in every village and 7728 ASHA sisters, the community in far-flung areas can access healthcare easily.
Dr. Saha emphasized the role of Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission in enabling the state to envision eliminating malaria. The state’s success in reducing the number of cases and deaths from malaria has been recognized by health ministers from different states, representatives of the World Health Organization, and representatives from other Asian countries and is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the health of its citizens. With the support of various organizations and the state’s healthcare infrastructure, Tripura is on track to eliminate malaria by 2030.
In a social media post, the Chief Minister wrote, “In meeting, I committed to the intensified effort through which we can achieve Malaria elimination in line with the national timeline of Malaria Elimination by 2030 by achieving a target of zero indigenous malaria cases in Tripura”.