Malaria reduction efforts continue in Chhattisgarh amidst COVID-19 pandemic

25 April 2020

More than four months on, the world is staring at an uncertain future due to the rapid emergence and spread of COVID-19. While aggressive measures are being taken to tackle the new disease, it is essential that other diseases, such as malaria, are not ignored. In the state of Chhattisgarh, the health services are stretched to manage the COVID-19 response, but the frontline workers continue to detect, treat, promote the widespread use of long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and strengthen surveillance to reduce the malaria burden in the state.

“In these unprecedented times, when the COVID-19 pandemic is testing the resilience of health systems in countries across the world, sustaining efforts to prevent, detect and treat malaria, and employing best practices to protect health workers and communities is absolutely critical. Recognizing the heavy toll that malaria exacts on vulnerable populations and health systems, WHO has provided guidance for countries to safely maintain essential health services and urges countries to ensure the continuity of malaria services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic”, said Dr Henk Bekedam, WHO Representative to India.

In India, WHO has supported the adoption of the High burden to high impact (HBHI) approaches in the states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Jharkhand. WHO has collaborated with the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) to undertake situation analysis, capacity building of district malaria officers and finalizing district operational plans for malaria reduction and elimination; as well as enhancing quality assurance of malaria microscope.

Photograph by :- Jayant Kumar

Malaria reduction efforts continue in Chhattisgarh amidst COVID-19 pandemic

A young boy getting tested for malaria at a sub-health centre in Daldali block, Kawardha district, Chattisgarh.

Children are one of the most vulnerable groups affected by malaria. Early detection and appropriate treatment can save lives. WHO’s Global Technical Strategy for Malaria urges expanding the use of rapid diagnostic tests and providing early treatment to reduce mortality due to malaria.

Photograph by :- Lucky

Malaria reduction efforts continue in Chhattisgarh amidst COVID-19 pandemic

Incoming travelers are screened for COVID-19 by the district level team and vector borne disease team staff (VBDTS) along with police security team in Chhattisgarh.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health workers are being repurposed to support the state administration in COVID-19 response and containment measures.

Photograph by : Buland Gupta

Malaria reduction efforts continue in Chhattisgarh amidst COVID-19 pandemic

ASHA worker conducting malaria test on a local woman, using a rapid diagnosis test kit.

Also known as ‘Mitanin’, which means a female friend in local dialect, ASHA workers in the state play a significant role as health workers and educators to sensitize communities on safety measures to prevent malaria.

Photograph by : Vishnu

Malaria reduction efforts continue in Chhattisgarh amidst COVID-19 pandemic

Community health worker demonstrating the use of long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), commonly known as bed nets, to protect from mosquito bites.

State health authorities are increasing efforts to provide free access to bed nets to the tribal communities, who usually sleep outdoors and do not wear appropriate clothing that can protect them from mosquito bites.

Photograph by :- Buland Gupta

Malaria reduction efforts continue in Chhattisgarh amidst COVID-19 pandemic

A health worker conducting malaria test on a local woman using a rapid diagnostic kit, while taking adequate precautionary measures to prevent COVID-19 infection.

Amidst the crisis, health workers are continuing with prevention and treatment services to ensure that the efforts to reduce the disease in the malaria-endemic state of Chhattisgarh are not diluted.

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