Focus on ‘last mile’ gaps to achieve malaria elimination by 2030
HYDERABAD: A high-level multi-stakeholder symposium on World Malaria Day called for coordinated action to accelerate India’s goal of eliminating malaria by 2030, with experts highlighting the need to address last-mile challenges.
The event, hosted by the Atal Incubation Centre–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (AIC-CCMB) in collaboration with Consytel Lifesciences, brought together representatives from academia, public health, industry and government. Participating organisations included the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Centre for Study of Complex Malaria in India, Bharat Biotech, Public Health Foundation of India–Institute of Public Health Sciences, Gandhi Medical College and CSIR-CCMB.
Focus on persistent transmission and evolving parasite challenges
Opening the session, CSIR-CCMB Director Vinay K Nandicoori said, “CCMB takes pride in advancing the mechanistic understanding of malaria, but the fight against the disease ultimately tests our collective will to ensure that no one is left behind.”
India has recorded a significant decline in malaria cases and has exited the World Health Organization’s High Burden to High Impact group. However, experts noted that challenges remain in eliminating the disease fully.
These include persistent transmission in tribal and forested areas, evolving parasite biology, climate-driven changes in disease patterns, and the need for new tools and strategies.
Call for innovation and stronger cross-sector collaboration
The symposium featured discussions on successful state initiatives such as Odisha’s DAMaN programme, issues like relapse due to dormant parasites and diagnostic resistance, and emerging therapies including liver-focused plant-based pharmaceuticals. Experts also examined the role of vaccines in future elimination strategies.
AIC-CCMB CEO Nalam Madhusudhana Rao said, “India has achieved a remarkable decline in malaria incidence over the past decade. With every rupee invested returning nearly nineteen to the economy, the case for action is clear. It is time to invest in closing the last mile. Innovation is no longer optional, it is a collective responsibility.”
Consytel Lifesciences Founder S K Dash said malaria elimination requires shifting focus from vector control to reducing parasite reservoirs in humans through new formulations.
A panel discussion titled “Now We Must: Closing India’s Last Mile by 2030” identified priorities such as strengthening surveillance, enhancing cross-border coordination, targeting high-burden regions, and ensuring sustained political and financial support.
MoHFW Senior Regional Director Anuradha Medoju, who moderated the session, called for the use of artificial intelligence-driven tools to predict malaria outbreaks.
The symposium concluded with a call for evidence-driven, inclusive and coordinated efforts to keep India on track to meet its malaria elimination target by 2030.
