Of five persons dying of malaria, four are children. Every 2 minutes a child dies of malaria. Each year, more than 200 million new cases of malaria are reported in the world, with maximum occurrences in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In contrast, the scenario in India, which is also largely tropical county feared by aliens for its mosquitoes, is quite optimistic. From 2015, the deaths caused by malaria are down by 78% thanks to tireless, concerted efforts of health agencies, NGOs, Government bodies, scientists and researchers.

 “Malaria has been a big challenge confronting humanity for four thousand years. Even at the time of Independence, it was one of our biggest health challenges. Today, I can say with satisfaction that the countrymen have collectively, strongly fought this challenge,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on the occasion of World Malaria Day which is observed on 25 April every year.

India marked World Malaria Day 2025 by showcasing its remarkable progress in battling the disease, with an 80.5% decline in malaria cases and a 78.4% drop in deaths between 2015 and 2023. Celebrated under the theme “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” the day highlighted India’s growing leadership in global malaria control. In a milestone achievement, the country exited the WHO’s “High Burden to High Impact” list in 2024, affirming its steady march towards zero malaria by 2030.

The government attributes this success to a comprehensive strategy built on early detection, universal access to treatment, and aggressive vector control. The rollout of the third phase of the Intensified Malaria Elimination Project (IMEP-3), covering 159 high-burden districts, has significantly strengthened field operations. Equally vital is the integration of malaria services into broader platforms like Ayushman Bharat and Community Health Officer-led outreach through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

Community participation, behaviour change campaigns, and rigorous health worker training are reinforcing the gains. Over 850 professionals were trained in 2024 alone, while cutting-edge research on insecticide resistance and treatment efficacy continues to guide India’s anti-malaria response.

Notably, 122 districts reported zero malaria cases in 2023, with large reductions in states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand—traditionally high-burden zones. Prime Minister Modi praised the country’s journey from one of the worst-affected nations post-Independence to a potential global model, crediting scientific governance and grassroots resolve for the turnaround.

With the National Strategic Plan (2023–2027) and National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016–2030) serving as blueprints, India is not just targeting the 2027 deadline for zero indigenous cases — it is leading by example for the malaria-affected world. The country’s progress underscores the power of focused public health policy backed by strong political will and citizen engagement.

India’s success is specifically highlighted by India’s exit from the WHO’s High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024, signifying a turning point in its fight against malaria. These achievements reflect the nation’s robust public health interventions and its vision to achieve malaria-free status by 2030.

India’s epidemiological progress is particularly evident in the movement of states to lower disease burden categories. From 2015 to 2023, numerous states have transitioned from the higher-burden category to the significantly lower or zero-burden category.

In 2015, 10 States and Union Territories were classified as high burden (Category 3), of these, in 2023 only two states (Mizoram & Tripura) remain in Category 3, whereas 4 states such as Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya, have reduced the case-load and moved to Category 2. Also, the other 4 States, namely, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have significantly reduced the caseload and moved to Category 1 in 2023.

In 2015 only 15 states were in Category 1, whereas in 2023, 24 states and UTs (progressed from high/medium-burden categories to Category 1, reporting an API of less than 1 case per 1000 population). As of 2023 Ladakh, Lakshadweep and Puducherry are in Category 0 i.e. zero indigenous Malaria cases. These areas are now eligible for subnational verification of malaria elimination. Additionally, in 2023, 122 districts across various states reported zero malaria cases, which demonstrates the efficacy of targeted interventions.

Both, Malaria cases and deaths have dropped by around 78% from 2015-2023, with cases going down from 11,69,261 in 2015 to 2,27,564 in 2023, while deaths falling from 384 to just 83. This dramatic decline reflects the relentless efforts to combat the disease. Simultaneously, intensified surveillance efforts have led to a significant rise in the Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER), increasing from 9.58 (2015) to 11.62 (2023). This strengthened surveillance has ensured early detection, timely intervention, and more effective treatment.