Malaria in India with particular reference to two west-central states

Abstract

Malaria has plagued India since antiquity. In the 20th century both man-made and physical environments have contributed to the establishment of different malaria intensity zones. A 1948-Malaria Distribution Map of India indicated Malaria-free, Endemic and Variable Endemic zones. The Malaria-free zone was associated with higher elevations, e.g. the Himalayas and coastal lands. The Endemic zone was considered to be places where the average annual rainfall exceeded 80cm. A malaria control program was started in India immediately after independence in 1947. Spraying of Anopheles-killing insecticides was the main control activity. Although, the disease was largely controlled by 1965, resurgence took place from several pockets. Now, two west-central states, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are also showing signs of resurgence. Monsoon rains, higher humidity, vegetation, tribal habitats and rice-cultivation have definitive associations with the disease in those two states. Eradication will have to await the discovery of an effective vaccine, but the disease can be drastically controlled by the mid-eighties with the existing techniques.