Health Minister inaugurates '3-Day Regional Review Meeting on Malaria Elimination for GFATM Project States'

Hnahthial Post | October 8, 2025, Aizawl: Health & Family Welfare Minister, Pi Lalrinpuii, inaugurated the ‘3-Day Regional Review Meeting on Malaria Elimination for GFATM Project States’ at the Assembly Annex Building Conference Hall yesterday. The programme was organised by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Health & Family Welfare Department, Mizoram.

In her inaugural address, the Health Minister warmly welcomed the delegates and highlighted that this is the fifth time Mizoram has hosted this regional review meeting. She stressed that Mizoram remains the state with the highest malaria burden in India, with four districts – Lunglei, Lawngtlai, Mamit, and Siaha – still classified under Category 3: High Endemic. Notably, about 80% of malaria cases in the state are reported from these districts. The Minister underlined the importance of awareness and prevention in the fight against malaria.

Although malaria incidence and deaths in Mizoram have slightly reduced this year compared to last year, the Minister cautioned that it still remains concerning in comparison to other regions. She informed that the recruitment of 100 additional health workers is underway, to strengthen malaria and other disease control efforts. She further emphasized the importance of partnership with communities and NGOs, expressing hope that the discussions held during this meeting will guide Mizoram towards more efficient and stronger strategies in eliminating malaria.

Pu H. Lalengmawia, IAS, Health Commissioner & Secretary, in his address, reiterated the Government’s prioritisation of the healthcare sector. He highlighted the ongoing reforms, including strengthening manpower, infrastructure, administration, and the rationalisation of postings and transfers as well the introduction of the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS). He expressed confidence that this review meeting would result in an effective action plan to accelerate malaria elimination in the state.

During the inaugural session, Dr. Lily Chhakchhuak, Mission Director, NHM, expressed gratitude to the delegates. Dr. Pranab Jyoti Bhuyan, Addl. Director, NCVBDC, highlighted the objectives of the Regional Review Meeting, stating that it would focus on review of Global Fund activities and Action Plan for High Endemic Districts. He also presented the malaria situation of Mizoram. Dr. Vanlalfela, Director of Health Services, delivered the vote of thanks.

The Regional Review Meeting (RRM) is conducted quarterly under the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) across selected states. The participating states include the seven North Eastern states (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Mizoram), along with Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. Programme Officers, Regional Directors, and Consultants of the Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, along with experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO), National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC), Transport Corporation of India Foundation (TCIF), and the Government of India are attending.

About 70 officials from different states working under the Vector Borne Diseases (VBD) programme are present. Over the next three days, participants will review malaria control activities, share best practices, and frame strategies to achieve India’s target of eliminating malaria by 2030.

Currently, Mizoram continues to have the highest incidence of malaria cases in India. The four districts of Lunglei, Lawngtlai, Mamit, and Siaha account for the majority of malaria cases. Between January and September 2025, Mizoram reported 7,321 malaria cases and 6 deaths, compared to 16,899 cases and 7 deaths in 2024.

The Government of Mizoram, continues to implement multiple interventions such as Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), widespread use of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITN/LLIN), vector control measures, and Information, Education & Communication (IEC/BCC) awareness campaigns. The Health Department also collaborates with other state departments to strengthen intersectoral convergence in the fight against malaria.