Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviews preparedness for dengue and malaria ahead of the monsoon season

Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to assess preparedness against dengue and malaria ahead of the upcoming monsoon and post-monsoon season.

During the meeting, Nadda reviewed the current situation of the disease across the country and stressed the need to maintain a high level of vigilance to effectively prevent and control mosquito-borne diseases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

He stressed that coordinated efforts between the Central Government, States/Union Territories, local administrations and healthcare institutions are essential to reduce the disease burden and ensure timely response to emerging public health challenges.

The Federal Health Minister said that the Health Ministry has already urged all states and union territories to strengthen surveillance systems for early detection of cases and outbreaks. He stressed the importance of prompt reporting, active monitoring, and rapid response mechanisms to contain the spread of infection.

The ministry said that Nadda instructed hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country to remain fully prepared and ensure the availability of medicines, diagnostic facilities, blood components, hospital beds and trained healthcare workers.

He stressed that patient care services must remain uninterrupted and healthcare institutions must be equipped to effectively manage any increase in the number of cases.

The Minister also stressed the importance of strict adherence to standard treatment guidelines and clinical management protocols for dengue and malaria. He directed officials to ensure that all healthcare facilities are sensitized to the latest diagnostic, treatment and case management protocols to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications.

Neda stressed the crucial role of preventive measures and called for intensifying vector control activities, including source reduction, elimination of mosquito breeding sites, fogging, and other public health interventions in at-risk areas. He urged states and local bodies to take sustainable preventive measures in coordination with stakeholders in society.

The Federal Health Minister also stressed the need to enhance public awareness regarding preventive measures against mosquito-borne diseases. He called for launching large-scale information, education and communication campaigns to educate citizens about maintaining hygiene, preventing water stagnancy, using personal protection measures, and seeking timely medical care in the event of symptoms. He also called for active participation of resident charities, Panchayati Raj Institutions, educational institutions and community organizations in maintaining a mosquito-free environment.

Nada stressed that awareness, early diagnosis, timely treatment, and community participation remain the main pillars in the fight against dengue and malaria. He stressed that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is closely monitoring the situation and providing all necessary support to states and union territories to enhance preparedness and response measures.

The review assessed the current epidemiological situation, disease surveillance mechanisms, preparedness of health facilities, availability of diagnostics and drugs, vector control measures, and intersectoral coordination for the prevention and management of dengue and malaria.

Further, Nadda assessed the availability of diagnostic kits, medicines, laboratory infrastructure, trained manpower and financial resources across states and union territories for the upcoming transmission season.

He directed officials to develop strategies and partial plans specific to each region, especially in endemic and high-risk areas, and stressed that effective surveillance, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to reducing the burden of the disease.

The states and union territories have been advised to conduct regular audits at the district and municipal levels, intensify source reduction and vector control activities, and enhance public awareness campaigns. Particular emphasis has been placed on hotspot mapping, larval control measures, rapid response mechanisms and enhanced surveillance during the high transmission season.

India has made significant gains in reducing the burden of malaria. Between 2015 and 2025, malaria cases and deaths decreased by about 80 percent. As recognized in the World Malaria Report 2025, India exited the WHO High Burden High Impact (HBHI) cluster in 2024, and remains on track to meet global malaria reduction targets, with a more than 70 per cent reduction in both cases and deaths. 160 districts reported no local malaria cases during 2022-2025, reflecting the continued interruption of local transmission and the success of focused public health interventions.

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