New Delhi :“Malaria is not just a public health issue but also social, economic and political challenge that requires the co-operation of all stakeholders. India was the only high-burden, high-impact country in South- East Asia region to report a decline in malaria cases in 2020 as compared to 2019.

India witnessed 85.1% decline in malaria cases and 83.36% decline in deaths during 2015-2022”. This was stated by Dr. MansukhMandaviya, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare as he virtually addressed the Asia Pacific Leaders’ Conclave on Malaria Elimination in presence of Dr. ManikSaha, Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr. R. Lalthamgliana, Minister, Health and Family Welfare Department, Mizoram, Dr. V.K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, and Dr PoonamKhetrepal, Regional Director, WHO-SEARO.

Dr. CulwickTogamana, Minister of Health and Medical Services, Solomon Islands, Dr. Antonio Lalabalavu, Minister of Health and Medical Services, Republic of Fiji, H.E. Prof. Dr. Dante SaksoniHarbuwono, Vice Minister of Health, Republic of Indonesia, Dr. ZalihaBinti Mustafa, Minister of Health, Malaysia, H.E. Dr. Mao Tan Eang, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Combodia, Dr. ChampaAluthweera, Director, Anti Malaria Campaign, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, Dr ChumanLal Das, Director, Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, Nepal, Dr MohMohLwin, National Director, Myanmar were also present at the conclave.

Dr. Mandaviya added that “rejuvenated political commitment and strengthened technical leadership will play a monumental role in eradicating malaria from the world”.

Citing the transformational impact of India’s health initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat PradhanMantri Jan ArogyaYojana (AB-PMJAY), Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission as well as the substantial role of its healthcare workers, Dr. Mandaviya said “India is committed to sharing our resources, knowledge and learnings with other countries in our endeavour to eliminate Malaria.”