The Jharkhand government has intensified its malaria prevention efforts after malaria-related deaths and a surge in infections in East Singhbhum, directing all district administrations to strengthen surveillance and ensure swift response measures across the state. Taking serious note of the situation, Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, Ajay Kumar Singh, has written to all Deputy Commissioners, instructing them to implement comprehensive malaria control measures with immediate effect.
Districts reporting cases have been asked to prepare targeted action plans, enhance field-level monitoring and fix accountability to prevent further transmission.
The directive calls for active case detection in areas witnessing a rise in fever cases. Multi-Purpose Health Workers (MPWs) and Sahiyas will conduct door-to-door surveillance, while every suspected patient will undergo prompt testing. Those diagnosed with malaria are to be started on anti-malarial treatment without delay.
The Health Department has also directed authorities to ensure timely hospitalisation and proper medical care for patients with severe symptoms, besides maintaining regular follow-up of confirmed cases.
To curb local transmission, officials have been instructed to launch mass fever or malaria surveys whenever a fresh case is detected in any area. Village-wise malaria records will be maintained, and Sahiyas in high-risk villages will be supplied with Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits and essential medicines.
District administrations have further been asked to maintain adequate stocks of diagnostic kits and anti-malarial drugs at Community Health Centres. Vector control measures, including insecticide spraying and larval source management, are to be intensified in affected regions.
Public awareness campaigns will also be conducted to encourage early diagnosis, timely treatment and protection against mosquito bites.
The government has additionally introduced a three-tier monitoring mechanism involving weekly reviews at Community Health Centres, fortnightly assessments by Civil Surgeons and monthly district-level review meetings chaired by Deputy Commissioners to ensure effective implementation of malaria control measures and prevent further fatalities.
Also read: Mystery illness wipes out 5 members of a family in Jharkhand
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