Tackling Malaria: Odisha Model

The state of Odisha has reported the highest decrease in the number of Malaria cases in the country. The number of cases has been reduced from 4,36,850 malaria cases in 2015 to  66,301 cases reported in 2018, an 85-per cent reduction.

Malaria caused by the infectious Plasmodium spreads through Female Anopheles mosquitoes deposit parasite into the skin of the human body.

Tracing the Odisha Model

Odisha has relied on a three-step project to keep malaria in check:

• 47,147 ASHAs in the state are trained in diagnosing and monitoring malaria treatment. Under the Early Detection and Complete Treatment (EDCT) programme, an ASHA tests any fever case for malaria so as to enable treatment begins early and the parasite is killed before mosquitoes spread it.
• Under its DAMAN — Duragama Anchala Re Malaria Nirakaran (or controlling malaria in remote locations) programme the state runs mass screenings twice a year at ‘malaria camps’ in April-June, and September-October.
• Under DAMAN, the entire population of these remote areas undergoes a malaria test, irrespective of whether one has fever or malaria symptoms. Further Indoor residual spray method is used, in which a residual insecticide is applied to inner walls and ceilings of houses so that malaria vectors come in contact with the insecticide.
• Also, the state government has distributed nearly 1.1 crore long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs) to combat malaria exposure during sleep and ASHA workers are roped in to go door-to-door for explaining nuances of the net’s use.

The government is also incentivizing the ASHA workers to test the cases of fever for Malaria. Every successful test helps fetches an ASHA get Rs 75 whereas testing, and achieving a negative result, fetches her only Rs 15 per case.