FDEC Commences Roll-Out Of Malaria Demonstration Project
The Foundation for Disease Elimination and Control of India (FDEC-INDIA), Indian Council of Medical Research and Govt. of Madhya Pradesh announced Phase 1 roll-out of Malaria demonstration project in Mandla, Madhya Pradesh. This Phase will focus on community awareness and education programs among the community residents in Mandla. Minister of State for Health, Fagan Singh Kuleste made the announcement.
FDEC-INDIA has been established by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries for disease elimination and control initiatives undertaken through its CSR programme.
National Institute for Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH)/ICMR, Govt of MP and FDEC-India are jointly accomplishing the goals of malaria elimination and to prevent re-introduction by use of vector control indoor residual spray and/or use of insecticide treated long-lasting bednets (LLINs) and case management (rapid on-the-spot diagnosis and prompt treatment) as per national and/or WHO norms of malaria elimination efforts. All appropriate stakeholders will execute the malaria elimination project over a span of 3 to 5 years covering over 1,200 villages in Mandla district.
As part of the Phase-I roll-out, in addition to the community awareness programmes, FDEC will begin intense case & surveillance-based malaria control using RDTs, ACTs, LLIN bednets and insecticide spray. Over the next two years, it will focus on sensitising local communities about detection and treatment requirements to keep them malaria free while continuing intense surveillance-based malaria control and community-based awareness & education programs. The Foundation will also undertake measures to prevent re-introduction of malaria into Mandla district from outside areas and mobilize communities to ‘look’ for introduction of new cases by travellers from neighbouring districts.
According to Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, Chairman of the Foundation for Disease Elimination and Control of India (FDEC-India), “Malaria elimination has been recognised as a global priority and a target of 2030 has been established for elimination. The Public-Private-Partnership is an important collaboration to meet health challenges and future health initiatives.”
“Our goal is to provide better intervention in hard to reach areas to eliminate malaria from underprivileged communities residing in 1233 villages of district Mandla. We have started from the remote parts to serve the underserved community. For malaria elimination, the participation of individuals and community leader is essential. As part of our strategy, we will stay engaged with communities throughout the district and inform them about project goals, progress of the project, and seek feedback,” said Dr. Neeru Singh, Director, National Institute for Research in Tribal Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
According to WHO estimates, India contributes about 70% of malaria cases in South East Asia Regional countries. India has the highest number of deaths outside the African continent, with approximately 181.3 million at high risk and 997.4 million people at low and high risk. Malaria has been shown to impede development, saving and investment, worker productivity, and per-capita gross domestic product. Malaria has also been shown to promote school and workplace absenteeism. It has been proven that there is a strong correlation between malaria and poverty, and malaria endemic countries have lower rates of economic growth.
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