Combating mosquito related diseases in India

Malaria is one of the six major vector-borne diseases in India, the occurrence of which varies with changes in ecological, climatic and socio-developmental conditions⁽¹⁾.

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Efforts of the health sector along with other departments have resulted in bringing down malaria from 2 million cases in 2000 to 1.1 million cases in 2015 in India. Despite these efforts, India still accounts for 70% of malaria burden in South- East Asia Region (SEAR) of the world⁽²⁾.

Newer methods are being explored to initiate timely action. TERI researchers are using satellite based data of physical (Vegetation, Water Index, Elevation) parameters and meteorological (humidity, rainfall, minimum temperature, maximum temperature) variables to predict such hotspots. This information can be used for targeted mosquito control measures thereby saving resources and preventing disease occurrence.

References:

[1] Poonam Singh, Mercy Aparna L Lingala, Soma Sarkar and Ramesh C Dhiman; Mapping of malaria vectors at district level in India: Changing scenario and identified gaps; Vector- borne and zoonotic diseases; 2017, Vol 17, Number 2: 91- 98

[2] National Farmework for Malaria Elimination In India (2016- 2030); Directorate of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP); Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS); Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Government of India