Global Fund Grant in India

Malaria

Malaria morbidity and mortality are major public health concerns in India. The disease is greatly affected by social and economic conditions and is referred to as both a disease of the poor and a cause of poverty. The marginalized poorer sections, mostly rural and tribal with low socio-economic status, limited access to quality health care, communication, other basic facilities and lack of appropriate behavioural change are often the worst sufferers.

Out of the four species of the Malaria parasite, except Plasmodium Ovale, all three are found in India. Plasmodium vivax is responsible for 50 to 55 per cent of the total reported cases in India according to WHO; falciparum comprises between 48 and 52 per cent of the cases. Small numbers of P malariae are also reported from foothills of Orissa State. Malaria transmission occurs in almost all areas of India except areas above 1800 meters sea level. Country’s 95% population lives in malaria risk areas. Endemicity of Malaria in India is unevenly distributed. There is a risk of increase in fresh incidences in the epidemic from every 7 to 10 or more years.