Epidemiology of Malaria in Koraput District, Odisha, 2019-2023: A Descriptive Analysis of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme Surveillance Data.

BACKGROUND

Koraput showed over 80% reduction in malaria cases in the year 2017-2018 attributed to the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets and Malaria Camps. Unfortunately, this decline was not sustained, suggesting a resurgence in 2023. Hence, understanding the epidemiology of malaria by analysing trends, geographical distribution, and demographic patterns is essential for targeted malaria control and elimination efforts.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to describe the epidemiology of malaria in the Koraput district by time, place, and person, and calculate the program indicators for the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) from 2019 to 2023.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We conducted a descriptive epidemiological study using NVBDCP surveillance data from 2019 to 2023 for the Koraput district, Odisha. We calculated the annual blood examination rate (ABER), Annual Parasite Incidence, Test Positivity Rate, Test Falciparum Rate and Annual Falciparum Incidence.

RESULTS

Koraput reported an ABER of 28% and annual parasite incidence annual parasite incidence (API) of 2.7 per 1000 with a sharp rise in 2023 to 4.5 per 1000. Narayanpatna had the highest API of 38 per 1000, followed by Bandhugaon, which had an API of 25 per 1000 in 2023. The API for males was consistently high compared to females, with a similar rise in 2023 among both genders.

CONCLUSION

The consistent seasonal peak in cases gives a prime opportunity to implement pre-emptive measures before the monsoons. The surveillance system for malaria needs strengthening to withstand public health emergencies such as the COVID-19. The migration of malaria surveillance to the Integrated Health Information Platform will aid in real-time surveillance of malaria.