As India pushes toward its ambitious target of eliminating malaria by 2030, a recent joint report by the ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR) and the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) has flagged a critical concern: cross-border transmission.

• While most districts in Assam have seen a significant drop in cases, cross-border transmission from Myanmar and Bangladesh continue to affect border districts in the Northeast. 
• States, including Assam, Manipur, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, exhibit heterogeneous malaria transmission where overall reductions coexist with persistent local hotspots. 
• Moreover, states located along international borders or major transit corridors face a continued risk of malaria re-introduction even after achieving local control.
• The primary culprit identified is the emergence of Anopheles culicifacies, a resilient mosquito species that acts as a major vector for the disease.

Why are Border Districts Vulnerable?

The report identifies several “risk drivers” that make these areas persistent hotspots:

• Porous Borders: Intensive cross-border movement for trade, seasonal labor, and social activities makes it easy for the malaria parasite to re-enter controlled zones.
• Vector Dynamics: The Anopheles culicifacies mosquito is adapting to local environments, thriving in “heterogeneous” transmission zones where overall cases are low but local outbreaks are frequent.
• Migrant Clusters: Seasonal population surges during festivals and mass gatherings create temporary, high-density environments where surveillance is difficult.

The Strategic Response

To counter this, the government is intensifying the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016-2030). Key interventions include:

• Saturation of LLINs & IRS: Increasing the coverage of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) specifically during high-risk monsoon seasons.
• Block-Level Planning: Shifting from district-level to granular block-level strategies in states like Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Nagaland.
• Volunteer Networks: Training local volunteers in border villages to act as early warning systems for case reporting.

Exam Hook: Prelims Connection

Assam shares its international border with two countries: Bhutan and Bangladesh.

• Districts bordering Bangladesh: Dhubri, South Salmara-Mankachar, Karimganj, and Cachar.
• Districts bordering Bhutan: Kokrajhar, Chirang, Tamulpur, Baksa, and Udalguri.

Health & Governance:

• National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME): Aiming for a malaria-free India by 2030, with a goal of achieving zero indigenous cases by 2027.
• Vector Control: Anopheles stephensi is typically the urban vector, while Anopheles culicifacies and Anopheles baimaii (forest areas) are the primary rural/Northeast vectors.

Practice MCQ

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Malaria control in India:

1. The National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) aims to eliminate the disease in India by 2027.
2. Anopheles culicifacies is a primary vector of malaria that is increasingly posing a challenge in the rural and border areas of the Northeast.
3. Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) are core components of India’s vector control strategy.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation: The elimination target for the entire country is 2030. The 2027 target is a milestone to achieve zero indigenous transmission across all states, but the final WHO certification is targeted for 2030.

One line wrap: Securing international borders is as much a health priority as it is a security one for the Northeast.

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