Driven to end malaria: Now we can. Now we must.

Driven to end malaria: Now we can. Now we must.

For the first time, ending malaria is a real possibility. Science is advancing faster than ever with new vaccines, treatments, malaria control tools and pioneering technologies.
But malaria doesn't wait. When funding falls and programmes weaken, it comes back fast, reversing hard-won gains. World Malaria Day 2026 with the theme, "Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must," is a rallying cry to grasp the moment to protect lives now and fund a malaria-free future.

As of April 25, 2026, India continues its aggressive push to reach zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027, following its successful exit from the WHO High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) list in late 2024. [1]
1. Intensified Malaria Elimination Project-3 (IMEP-3) [2]
The third phase of this project (2024–2027) focuses on 159 high-burden districts across 12 states. [3, 4]
• Target Areas: These districts are primarily in states that historically contributed to 90% of India's malaria burden, including Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and the Northeastern states.
• Key Interventions: The project provides Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).
• Surveillance: It prioritizes strengthening entomological units and community engagement to ensure every case is tracked and treated. [2, 4, 5]
2. State Spotlight: Mizoram's Progress
Mizoram currently reports the highest malaria incidence rate in India, though it has seen a sharp decline recently. [6, 7]
• Current Stats (2025-2026): Between January and September 2025, the state reported 7,321 cases and 6 deaths, a significant drop from 16,899 cases in 2024.
• High-Risk Districts: Roughly 80% of cases are concentrated in four districts bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh: Lunglei, Lawngtlai, Mamit, and Siaha.
• Challenges: The high burden is driven by hilly terrain, porous international borders, and traditional jhum (shifting) cultivation practices that increase mosquito exposure. [6, 8, 9]
3. WHO Recommended Preventive Measures (2026 Updates)
The WHO's Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must. campaign emphasizes a multi-layered prevention strategy: [10]
• Vector Control: Continued use of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS). New-generation nets now make up over 80% of those distributed globally to counter insecticide resistance.
• Vaccines: The RTS,S and R21 vaccines are being rolled out in moderate-to-high transmission areas (primarily in Africa), with India continuing to evaluate their utility for its elimination phase.
• Personal Protection: Use of repellents (DEET/Icaridin), wearing protective clothing, and installing window screens.
• Chemoprophylaxis: Preventive medicines for high-risk groups like pregnant women, infants, and travellers. [10, 11, 12, 13, 14]
If you'd like to dive deeper, I can look up:
• The exact district-wise case numbers for Odisha or Chhattisgarh.
• More details on the new-generation mosquito nets being used in India.
• Traveler-specific advice for those visiting high-risk border regions.


[1] https://www.who.int
[2] https://www.pib.gov.in
[3] https://www.pib.gov.in
[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[5] https://www.dataforindia.com
[6] https://health.mizoram.gov.in
[7] https://www.indiatodayne.in
[8] https://nenews.in
[9] https://www.researchsquare.com
[10] https://www.who.int
[11] https://www.who.int
[12] https://www.maxhealthcare.in
[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[14] https://www.instagram.com