Nagaland leads Northeast in Malaria control, eyes 2027 elimination target

A two-day state review meeting of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) commenced on Thursday at the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland.

Addressing the gathering at the inaugural event, Dr E Motsuthung Patton, Principal Director of the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, highlighted the commendable progress made in controlling malaria in the state. He noted that the declining number of malaria cases is a testament to the collective efforts, dedication of healthcare workers, and commitment of district authorities.

Dr Patton emphasized that while the achievements are worth celebrating, the journey does not end here. He stressed the need to move forward with renewed determination to eliminate malaria completely. He urged every district to take proactive steps in preparing for malaria elimination certification, which requires meticulous documentation, thorough reporting, and adherence to prescribed guidelines.

He further called on districts to expedite the preparation of necessary records to ensure full readiness for the Malaria Sub-Elimination Committee’s verification process. Dr. Patton underscored that certification is not merely a recognition but a validation of the state’s unwavering commitment to public health and disease eradication.

Highlighting Nagaland’s leadership in malaria elimination efforts in the Northeast, Dr. Patton urged stakeholders to ensure that the state maintains its momentum and does not lag behind. With other northeastern states making rapid progress, he stressed the importance of sustaining efforts to achieve malaria elimination by 2027 and maintaining it through 2030. He encouraged reaffirming dedication and working diligently to keep the state at the forefront of this critical mission.

Expressing concern about other vector-borne diseases, particularly Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Dengue, Dr Patton cited the dengue outbreak in 2023 as a stark reminder that complacency is not an option. He emphasized that alongside malaria elimination, strategies for the prevention and control of JE and Dengue must also be strengthened. He highlighted the importance of surveillance, early detection, community awareness, and robust vector control measures to prevent future outbreaks.

The Principal Director called upon all stakeholders—including state and district health officials and field workers—to continue their efforts with the same dedication and perseverance.

Dr LA Singh, Senior Regional Director of RoHFW, Imphal, acknowledged Nagaland’s remarkable achievement in reducing malaria cases, a feat no other state has accomplished so far. He urged the state to work toward obtaining malaria elimination certification at the sub-elimination level.

Dr Singh informed the gathering that a national-level committee has been constituted to oversee malaria elimination certification. He explained that the evaluation committee would visit districts and health units, and upon satisfaction with the efforts and documentation, would grant certification. He urged the state and districts to maintain proper records and strictly adhere to guidelines to achieve this goal.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr Neisakho Kere, Joint Director and State Programme Officer (SPO) of NVBDCP, recalled that the highest number of malaria cases was recorded in 2009, with 8,489 cases and 35 deaths. He noted that since the launch of the malaria elimination program in 2015, following NVBDCP Delhi’s guidelines, cases have significantly declined. No malaria-related deaths have been recorded since 2016.

Dr. Kere further informed that only five malaria cases have been reported in 2024, with Mokokchung, Peren, Phek, and Zunheboto identified as focus areas. He also highlighted that Longleng has not reported a single malaria case in the past five years, making it eligible for malaria elimination certification.

As Nagaland nears malaria elimination, Dr Kere stressed that no malaria case should go undetected. He urged all healthcare providers to ensure that every fever patient visiting OPDs is screened for malaria unless proven to have another illness.

The program was chaired by Dr Tinurenla Anichari, Deputy Director of NVBDCP. This was followed by a review of district presentations. The meeting was attended by DVBOs, DVBCs, MTSs, UVBDS, and Entomologists from all the districts.

MT