Punjab targets elimination of malaria by 2020

The Punjab government in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) launched Wednesday a 'micro-strategic plan' to eliminate malaria from the state by 2020.

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Brahm Mohindra said the state would be the first in India where WHO will collaborate for the elimination of malaria.

According to an official released, the WHO will provide technical support to state to achieve the target.

"India has third highest burden of malaria in the world. Punjab reported only 0.1 per cent cases of malaria of the country," Mohindra said.

The minister added that the incidence of malaria had declined in the state during the last one year.

Mohindra said Punjab was committed to undertake 'micro-level-surveillance' under which each and every reported case of malaria will be investigated and remedial measures undertaken to prevent further spread of the disease.

Henk Bekedam, representative of WHO, said Punjab was one of the 15 low transmission states in India where only 0.1 per cent cases of malaria were reported as compared to the rest of the country.

"There is a need for participation of communities and general public as well for prevention and control of Malaria," he said adding he was hopeful that Punjab would be the first state in the country to achieve the target of eliminating malaria by 2020.