UP logs seven-fold drop in malaria cases since 2019

Lucknow: UP recorded a seven-fold decline in the number of malaria cases since 2019. The fact that came to the fore on the eve of World Malaria Day showed that against 92,000 cases in 2019, UP saw 14,500 cases in 2025.Calling the dip significant progress towards the goal of eliminating malaria by the end of 2030, officials reiterated that if detected early, malaria can be effectively treated and contained.“The fall in absolute cases is a result of the state’s effective adoption and implementation of the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Control (2023-27), which places surveillance and early intervention at its core. The strategy mandates reporting of cases within one day, investigation within three days and targeted response within seven days to curb further spread,” said joint director, national vector borne diseases control programme, Dr Vikas Singhal.Adding that the “test, treat and track” model was its key pillar, he added, “Frontline workers, including ASHAs, ANMs and community health officers, are the heroes of this dimension as they ensured last-mile delivery.”Citing numbers to prove how the strategy favoured UP, he said, “Two health metrics speak for the state’s success. First — UP’s annual blood examination rate, which speaks for how actively a population is being tested for malaria in a year, improved from 2.51% in 2019 to 7.8%. Second — test positivity rate in UP remained below 0.25%, indicating a highly sensitive surveillance system and early detection of cases. Both the numbers speak for the fact that infections are identified before turning severe.”In addition to this, vector control measures, including identification of mosquito breeding sites and larval management, further strengthened prevention efforts. Authorities stressed that public participation remains critical, with measures such as preventing water stagnation, using mosquito nets and maintaining hygiene playing a key role.They said sustained behavioural awareness, along with continued surveillance, will be essential to interrupt transmission and consolidate gains made so far.