Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda chaired a high-level meeting on 10 September 2025 to review the current Dengue and Malaria situation across the country. The review aimed to strengthen and accelerate preventive measures by the states during this high-risk season. The meeting was attended by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava and senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
During the meeting, Shri Nadda assessed the current status and key challenges in tackling these vector-borne diseases. He urged States, local bodies and communities to intensify preventive and control measures, particularly during this high-risk period, to safeguard public health and sustain the gains made in reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases.
He also issued an advisory to all Chief Ministers urging them to remain vigilant in the coming months and to intensify preventive measures as well as community awareness activities for effective control of Dengue and Malaria.
Shri Nadda emphasised the need for swift and coordinated action, advising State Health Ministers to personally review the situation and submit action plans within 20 days. Municipal Corporations, Panchayats and local bodies were directed to boost awareness drives, while hospitals—including those under the Central Government—must ensure adequate drugs, diagnostics, beds, and mosquito-free premises.
Highlighting the post-rainfall risk, he noted that water stagnation creates breeding sites, and called for stepped-up preventive efforts. Intensive IEC campaigns and social media outreach will continue to drive community participation and promote personal protection. He also instructed that a high-level review meeting also be undertaken specifically for Delhi and NCR to closely assess the dengue situation and ensure advance preparedness.
Shri Nadda underlined India’s significant achievements in malaria control, stating that the country has achieved a reduction of over 78% in malaria cases and nearly 78% in malaria-related deaths between 2015 and 2024.
Between 2022 and 2024, 160 districts reported zero malaria cases, while 33 States/UTs have achieved an Annual Parasite Incidence (API) of less than one, except three states.
The Government of India has launched multiple initiatives for malaria elimination, including:
National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023-27)
Integrated Health Management Platform (IHIP) for real-time disease monitoring
Enhanced Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) incentives
Distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs)
Refresher trainings for laboratory technicians
Recognition of districts achieving “Zero Malaria” status
India aims to eliminate malaria by 2030.
On dengue, Shri Nadda highlighted that all States/UTs (except Ladakh) are endemic to Dengue and Chikungunya, and the risk of outbreaks is highest in the monsoon and post-monsoon period.
The National Dengue Control Strategy is being implemented through State Vector-Borne Disease Cells focusing on surveillance, case management, vector control, inter-sectoral coordination, and public awareness.
Diagnostic capacity has also been scaled up with 869 Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals and 27 Apex Referral Laboratories offering free testing facilities. So far in 2025, more than 5,520 Dengue and 2,530 Chikungunya diagnostic kits have been supplied to states.
Nationwide IEC activities include the observance of Anti-Dengue Month (July), National Dengue Day (16th May), and the illumination of India Gate on World NTD Day (30th January) to reinforce public engagement and accelerate preventive measures.