WHO Pat For Odisha On Malaria Control Measures

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has been appreciated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for its measures leading to the highest reduction of malaria cases in the country.

The recently released World Malaria Report (WMR)-2020 stated that Odisha being one of the highest endemic states has contributed majorly towards significant case reduction of the country.

“At the country level, the state also has contributed to the largest drop in cases over the years from 2016. With record of highest 444842 malaria cases, the state was contributing 41% of the national malaria burden in 2016,” the report said.

According to the report, highest 81% decrease in cases was registered in 2018 compared to 2017 in the state. In 2019, total 39556 cases were recorded in the state registering 40.39% fall compared to 2018. There was 87% reduction in malaria deaths in 2018 compared to 2017.

The state’s annual parasite incidence (API) has come down to 0.88 in 2019 which was 1.48 in 2018, 7.76 in 2017 and 10.06 in 2016. Similarly, test positivity rate (TPR) has been reduced to 0.6% in 2019 which was 1.08 in 2018.

On malaria death, the report said it came down from 77 in 2016 to 24 in 2017. The state achieved 81% reduction of cases and 87% reduction of deaths in 2018 compared to 2017, it added.

It further said there was substantial change in the state’s contribution to malaria cases which came down from 41% in 2017 to 15% in 2018 and 11% in 2019.