A model for malaria elimination based on learnings from the Malaria Elimination Demonstration Project, Mandla district, Madhya Pradesh

• Published in: Malaria Journal
• Main Authors: Harsh Rajvanshi, Praveen K. Bharti, Sekh Nisar, Himanshu Jayswar, Ashok K. Mishra, Ravendra K. Sharma, Kalyan B. Saha, Man Mohan Shukla, Suman L. Wattal, Aparup Das, Harpreet Kaur, Anupkumar R. Anvikar, Azadar Khan, Nilima Kshirsagar, Aditya P. Dash, Altaf A. Lal
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021
• Subjects: Malaria model; Malaria elimination; Mandla; National malaria elimination; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Infectious and parasitic diseases; RC109-216; Arctic; Indian
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-021-03607-3; https://doaj.org/article/b47192a134774c4abc43dbd645ab4932

Abstract Background Malaria Elimination Demonstration Project (MEDP) was started as a Public-Private-Partnership between the Indian Council of Medical Research through National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh and Foundation of Disease Elimination and Control of India, which is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. The project’s goal was to demonstrate that malaria can be eliminated from a high malaria endemic district along with prevention of re-establishment of malaria and to develop a model for malaria elimination using the lessons learned and knowledge acquired from the demonstration project. Methods The project employed tested protocols of robust surveillance, case management, vector control, and capacity building through continuous evaluation and training. The model was developed using the learnings from the operational plan, surveillance and case management, monitoring and feedback, entomological investigations and vector control, IEC and capacity building, supply chain management, mobile application (SOCH), and independent reviews of MEDP. Results The MEDP has been operational since April 2017 with field operations from August 2017, and has observed: (1) reduction in indigenous cases of malaria by about 91 %; (2) need for training and capacity building of field staff for diagnosis and treatment of malaria; (3) need for improvement insecticide spraying and for distribution and usage of bed-nets; (4) need for robust surveillance system that captures and documents information on febrile cases, RDT positive individuals, and treatments provided; (5) need for effective supervision of field staff based on advance tour plan; (6) accountability and controls from the highest level to field workers; and (7) need for context-specific IEC. Conclusions Malaria elimination is a high-priority public health goal of the Indian Government with a committed deadline of 2030. In order to achieve this goal, built-in systems of ...