Tata Trusts has signed a pact with the Odisha government to achieve elimination of Malaria from the state by 2030. As per the MoU, Tata Trusts will be taking mass screenings twice a year in 557 villages in five selected blocks including Bissamcuttack and Muniguda blocks of Rayagada district, Lanjigarh, Thuamulrampur blocks of Kalahandi district and Kotgarh block of Kandhamal district in southern Odisha.

The Centre has committed to eliminate malaria from the country by 2030. If the partnership between Odisha government and Trusts can demonstrate reduction in mortality in Odisha, it will bring down overall prevalence of malaria and incidence in the country. The vision of the partnership is to reduce malaria deaths by 50 per cent in five years and incidence by 40 per cent.

Did You Know?

• Malaria is caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
• Nearly half of the world’s population is at risk of malaria.
• Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of malaria prevents deaths.
• Sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets protects against malaria.
• Indoor residual spraying is the most effective way to rapidly reduce malaria transmission.
• Malaria causes significant economic losses in high-burden countries.