Health Minister Inaugurates 3-Day Regional Review Meeting on Malaria Elimination for GFATM Project States

Aizawl, Oct 2025: Health & Family Welfare Minister Pi Lalrinpuii inaugurated the ‘3-Day Regional Review Meeting on Malaria Elimination for GFATM Project States’ at the Assembly Annex Building Conference Hall yesterday. The event was organised by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) under the Health & Family Welfare Department, Mizoram.

In her inaugural address, the Minister extended a warm welcome to all delegates and noted that Mizoram is hosting this regional review meeting for the fifth time. She highlighted that Mizoram continues to have the highest malaria burden in India, with four districts — Lunglei, Lawngtlai, Mamit, and Siaha — still classified as Category 3: High Endemic, contributing to nearly 80% of all malaria cases in the state. Emphasising the importance of awareness, prevention, and community involvement, she said that the state is intensifying efforts to combat malaria.

While malaria cases and deaths have shown a slight decline compared to last year, the Minister cautioned that the situation remains serious. She announced that 100 additional health workers are being recruited to strengthen malaria and other disease control programmes. She expressed optimism that the discussions during the three-day meeting would help develop more effective and sustainable strategies for malaria elimination in Mizoram.

Health Commissioner & Secretary Pu H. Lalengmawia, IAS, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritising healthcare. He mentioned ongoing reforms such as strengthening human resources, infrastructure, and administrative systems, rationalising postings and transfers, and implementing the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS). He expressed confidence that the review meeting would produce an actionable roadmap to accelerate malaria elimination efforts.

Dr. Lily Chhakchhuak, Mission Director, NHM, expressed her appreciation to all participants. Dr. Pranab Jyoti Bhuyan, Additional Director, NCVBDC, outlined the meeting’s objectives — including a review of Global Fund activities and developing an Action Plan for High Endemic Districts — while presenting the current malaria situation in Mizoram. Dr. Vanlalfela, Director of Health Services, delivered the vote of thanks.

The Regional Review Meeting (RRM) is held quarterly under the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFATM) across select states. Participating states include the seven North Eastern states (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Mizoram), along with Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. Officials attending include Programme Officers, Regional Directors, Consultants, and experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO), National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC), Transport Corporation of India Foundation (TCIF), and the Government of India.

Around 70 officials working under the Vector Borne Diseases (VBD) programme are participating in the meeting. Over the next three days, participants will review malaria control initiatives, share best practices, and strategise to achieve India’s goal of malaria elimination by 2030.

Currently, Mizoram continues to report the highest malaria incidence in India. The four districts of Lunglei, Lawngtlai, Mamit, and Siaha account for the majority of cases. Between January and September 2025, the state recorded 7,321 malaria cases and 6 deaths, compared to 16,899 cases and 7 deaths in 2024.

To combat malaria, the Mizoram government continues to implement a series of interventions including Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITN/LLIN), vector control measures, and Information, Education & Communication (IEC/BCC) awareness campaigns. The Health Department is also working with other departments to enhance intersectoral coordination in malaria control.

Year-wise Malaria Case Data (2022–2025, up to September):

(Source: NCVBDC Report presented by Dr. Pranab Jyoti Bhuyan)