The National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2017-22) was launched by Mr J.P. Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India in New Delhi on 12 July 2017.
WHO Country Office for India has supported the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme for the development of new National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination.
The key strategies of the plan are: strengthening malaria surveillance, establishing a mechanism for early detection and prevention of outbreaks of malaria, promoting the prevention of malaria by the use of Long Lasting Impregnated Nets (LLINs), effective indoor residual spray and augmenting the manpower and capacities for effective implementation in the next five years.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Nadda said that the government would like to eliminate malaria by 2027 and urged the states for active cooperation. He also highlighted the importance of intersectoral coordination.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Suchaxaya Prakin, Acting WHO Representative to India stressed on harnessing innovation and research along with monitoring, surveillance, and community participation.
The launch was also graced by Dr Jagdish Prasad, Director General of Health Services; Mr R.K.Vats, Additional Secretary; Mr Navdeep Rinwa, Joint Secretary; Dr P. K. Sen, Director, NVBDCP along with the other senior officials of the ministry and representatives of international development organizations.