AMARAVATI, September 4: National-level experts have praised the innovative and comprehensive measures being implemented by the Andhra Pradesh Government to control and eliminate malaria in the State.

The expert teams appreciated the State’s efforts in disease surveillance, early detection and management of cases, expansion of healthcare services in tribal areas, community participation and coordination between the government and private healthcare sectors.

The experts specifically noted the use of the Chief Minister’s Dashboard, AWARE system, drone technology, feeder ambulances, ‘Friday–Dry Day’ campaign, Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) and distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) as notable initiatives.

Malaria programmes reviewed in four States

As part of preparations for the National Strategic Plan for 2027–2032, national-level expert teams are reviewing malaria control programmes in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Odisha.

The expert teams visited Andhra Pradesh from September 1 to Friday and conducted field-level assessments in Alluri Sitharama Raju district, which has a relatively high malaria burden, and Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, where the incidence is comparatively low.

During the visit, the teams examined healthcare services available at health centres, case detection and treatment mechanisms and measures being taken to prevent and control malaria.

Review meeting with Health Commissioner

Following the four-day field visit, the expert teams held a review meeting with Health and Family Welfare Commissioner Chakradhar Babu and other officials at the APICC office in Mangalagiri on Friday night. Several experts also participated virtually.

Prof. Dr Kamini Mendis, Dr Nirmal Jo, Dr Lokesh Kori, Dr Arya Rahul, Dr P.K. Sen, Dr Pranab J. Bhuyan and Dr Badri Thapa were among those who participated in the discussions.

The experts appreciated the use of the Chief Minister’s Dashboard for monitoring disease surveillance and the AWARE system for assessing the status of malaria cases and tracking their management.

They noted that Andhra Pradesh was making effective use of technology in public health programmes to strengthen disease surveillance and control measures.

Drone services in tribal areas

The expert teams examined the use of drone-based technology to support diagnosis and treatment in remote and difficult-to-reach tribal areas.

The deployment of feeder ambulances to transport patients from remote locations to nearby hospitals was also appreciated. The experts observed that such measures could help bridge gaps in access to healthcare services in geographically difficult areas.

‘Friday–Dry Day’ initiative appreciated

The teams also appreciated the ‘Friday–Dry Day’ initiative, under which potential mosquito-breeding sites are identified and eliminated while awareness is created among the public about malaria, dengue and other vector-borne diseases.

The distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in malaria-prone areas and efforts to educate communities on their proper use were also highlighted by the experts.

Experts suggest further strengthening of programme

The expert teams observed that the comprehensive approach adopted by Andhra Pradesh was contributing to improved malaria control outcomes.

They recommended further strengthening early diagnosis, timely treatment, disease surveillance and mosquito-control measures. They also called for greater community participation and improved coordination among different government departments.

The experts stressed the need to continue focusing on extending healthcare services to remote areas and ensuring early detection and timely treatment of malaria cases. 

AMARAVATI, APRIL 24: Andhra Pradesh is intensifying its efforts to eliminate malaria, with Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav on Friday announcing a series of preventive measures ahead of the monsoon season and disclosing plans to seek the Centre's recognition of three districts as malaria-free zones.

Speaking on the eve of World Malaria Day, Mr. Yadav said the state government would shortly send proposals to the Union government to declare Bapatla, West Godavari, and Konaseema districts free of the disease. He added that no indigenous malaria cases had been recorded in these three districts for three consecutive years, and that the few cases detected there had been imported from outside.

Declining case load

The minister said the state had witnessed a steady decline in malaria cases since 2024–25. A total of 7,871 cases were reported that year, which fell to 7,199 in 2025–26. In the first 16 weeks of the current year, only 899 cases were registered, compared to 1,783 during the corresponding period last year — a drop of over 49 per cent. The state average stands at 0.15 cases per thousand population. However, the tribal districts of Alluri Sitarama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam continue to bear a disproportionate burden, recording 3.46 and 1.95 cases per thousand respectively.

Mr. Yadav said that as part of the government's roadmap to significantly reduce malaria by 2030, a comprehensive indoor residual spray (IRS) programme was being rolled out. The IRS method involves spraying insecticides on interior walls and ceilings to kill mosquitoes that rest on these surfaces.

Spray programme

Spray operations have already been launched in high-incidence tribal districts — Alluri Sitarama Raju, Anakapalli, and Polavaram — following Central government guidelines and keeping local geographical conditions in mind. The programme will be extended in a phased manner to 13 more districts from May 15, with completion targeted by August 30. The districts covered in this phase include Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Prakasam, Markapur, Nandyal, Annammayya, Sri Sathya Sai, Visakhapatnam, Eluru, Manyam, NTR, Tirupati, and Chittoor.

The spray intervention will be deployed specifically in villages where two or more cases are recorded per thousand population. The state government is spending approximately ₹4.80 crore on the procurement of insecticides — alpha-cypermethrin and malathion — and ₹4.5 crore on the conduct of the programme, with total expenditure on the IRS drive touching ₹10 crore annually.

Mosquito nets and awareness

The state has also begun distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets. Distribution is nearing completion in Alluri Sitarama Raju, Polavaram, and Manyam districts, with a plan to supply 2.55 lakh nets to 1.95 lakh families and student hostels across the state.

Central government officials have already trained state staff on the documentation and evidence required to submit malaria-free proposals. A Central team is expected to visit the three districts after receiving the state's proposals next month, following which the Union government is expected to issue a formal malaria elimination declaration.

The minister said awareness activities on malaria symptoms, prevention, and available healthcare services would be held across the state on the occasion of World Malaria Day on Saturday.