Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh govt’s efforts against Malaria yield positive results-Photo Credit -ANI
In Short
*Government’s campaign in mission mode, decisive steps towards ‘zero malaria’
*The fight against malaria is no longer just about treatment, it is a fight of strategy and public participation – Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal
Raipur: An effective leadership examples resolving issues may it be related to health of the people . Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai is an example of motivational source and commitment .
Chhattisgarh has re-started a decisive campaign towards the permanent elimination of malaria. Under the guidance of Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, the department has set a new standard in the field of public health by taking an exemplary strategic initiative against a deadly disease like malaria.
The 12th phase of the ‘Malaria Mukt Chhattisgarh Abhiyan ( ‘Malaria Free Chhattisgarh Campaign ) has not only expanded its scope, but has also made it clear with its impact that when the government works with determination and policy-based action, the results are visible on the ground.
Under this phase, which began on June 25, 2025 intensive testing, treatment and public awareness campaigns were carried out in 10 districts of the state. So far, 19,402 houses have been visited and blood tests of 98,594 people have been performed .
Of these, 1,265 people were found malaria positive. The most important thing was that the first dose of medicine was provided to all the infected persons on the spot, that too with utmost care – first the patients were fed local food items, so that the effect of the medicine remains safe and effective. Every patient has been given a treatment card, so that complete monitoring can be ensured through follow-up.
The positive impact of this campaign is being seen most in Bastar division. There has been a 71 percent decline in malaria cases here compared to 2015. This is not an ordinary achievement, but the result of a well-organised, continuous and scientific strategy.
The state’s Annual Parasite Index (API) has also come down from 27.40 to 7.11, which shows that the state has effectively controlled malaria.
Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal expressed satisfaction over the progress of the campaign and said that the war against malaria is no longer just about treatment, it has become a battle of strategy and public participation.
He believes that the goal set by the government—’zero malaria’ by 2027 and ‘complete malaria free Chhattisgarh’ by 2030—is not just being documented, but is being realised as a reality on ground .
Health Department Commissioner cum Director Dr. Priyanka Shukla said that due to the impact of the Malaria Free Chhattisgarh campaign in the state, malaria cases are on decline in Bastar division. “Reaching every infected person, treating him on time and ensuring that there is no scope for infection in the future—this is our priority.” She said that our focus is on asymptomatic malaria cases, so that the disease can be eradicated from its roots.
The participation of Mitanins, Anganwadi workers, Gram Panchayats and voluntary organizations has also been remarkable in the success of this campaign. It is not just a health program, but has now become a mass movement. Along with testing and treatment, people are also being made aware of practical measures like regular use of mosquito nets, prevention of waterlogging and cleanliness.
This concrete and sensitive effort of the Chhattisgarh government is the result of the vision and political will of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, which is not only a strong and sustainable step towards making the state malaria free, but is also becoming an inspiring model in the field of public health at the national level. In the coming years, this strategy will be established as an exemplary example for other states.
