Malaria problem and its control in north eastern states of India

There has been a substantial increase in the overall malaria incidence and incidence of Plasmodium falciparum in the north-eastern region of India. The main contributory factors for this are: (i) difficult terrain, (ii) 'Jhum' cultivation, (iii) presence of optimum climatic conditions for prolonged transmission, (iv) presence of highly efficient malaria vectors, (v) developmental projects attracting aggregation of labour, (vi) influx of population along the international borders and (vii) chloroquine resistant P. falciparum strains. To combat this situation new approaches like providing 100 per cent Central assistance, intensifying training of personnel and DDT spray, opening Drug Distribution Centres and Fever Treatment Depots and making drugs available in the villages have been put into action. In this communication the overall malaria situation in the north-east India is discussed.