A Significant Step Towards Making Gadchiroli Malaria-Free – CM Devendra Fadnavis

Malaria Eradication Plan to Be Implemented from April 1

Mumbai : According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Gadchiroli is one of the six most malaria-affected districts in India. In a significant move towards making the district malaria-free, the state government is set to implement a malaria eradication plan, developed by a task force led by Dr. Abhay Bang, starting from April 1, 2025. To support this initiative, the Tribal Development Department has been directed to allocate ₹25 crore, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has reported increasing resistance to insecticides among mosquitoes, making malaria control in Gadchiroli a top priority. Various measures, including the establishment of a special task force, were introduced in 2017 to combat malaria in the district. Under the leadership of Dr. Abhay Bang, the task force—operating within the Public Health Department—developed a comprehensive plan incorporating recommendations from national and global health experts. Effective implementation of this plan from April 1, 2025, will help accelerate efforts to make Gadchiroli malaria-free, CM Fadnavis stated. A proposal for ₹25 crore in funding will be submitted by the Public Health Department to the Tribal Development Department.

Support from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Sun Pharma

The malaria eradication initiative in Gadchiroli will also receive substantial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Additionally, Sun Pharma and FDEC will play a key role in this effort. Sun Pharma’s FDEC has successfully implemented malaria elimination strategies in Mandla district, Madhya Pradesh, developing administrative and technical models for disease control. The company will assist in training personnel, overseeing field programs, and conducting technical reviews. CM Fadnavis emphasized that the contributions from the Gates Foundation and Sun Pharma will significantly aid in making Gadchiroli malaria-free.