India accounts for third highest cases of Malaria in the world and highest Malaria burden in South-East Asia1. Malaria is concentrated in 16 states that account for >80% of Malaria cases, and >90% of Malaria deaths. The highest Malaria burden is mainly in tribal and forested areas2. Madhya Pradesh being one such state.
Godrej Consumer Products, a large corporate, has partnered with Government of Madhya Pradesh and Family Health India, a non-government organization, for Elimination of Mosquito Borne Endemic Disease Project.
Prevention and control of Malaria in high endemic forested villages of Madhya Pradesh.
Detailed mapping and households listing was carried-out in endemic areas, village wise micro plan was developed. Interactive BCC sessions were facilitated with 20-25 members each by trained BCC Facilitators, using structured tools. Home visits helped to reinforce behavior change. Active case detection was ensured through referrals to frontline health functionaries. Households were linked to Government preventive measures including long lasting insecticide nets and indoor residual spray. Youth and Panchayats3 were engaged in community drives like oil filming, release of Gambusia larva, and cleanliness drives. Data was collected by an external agency to track progress.
From 2015 to 2017; clients reported increased availability and use of bed nets and improved health seeking during fever. Significant reduction of 19 points in Annual Parasite Incidence (API) was reported from intervention villages (22 in 2015 to 3 in 2017), in comparison to reduction of 2 points in non-intervention villages (4 in 2015 to 2 in 2017)4.
Village level interventions focusing on behavior change when linked to Government services can significantly reduce the burden of Malaria in high endemic areas.