Ranchi, July 30: Jharkhand reported 16,728 malaria cases between January and June this year, with East Singhbhum and West Singhbhum accounting for nearly 76 per cent of the total cases, according to the state Health Department.
The malaria situation was reviewed at a state-level task force meeting on the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases held at Nepal House in Ranchi on Thursday.
Officials informed the meeting that East Singhbhum recorded 6,527 malaria cases by June, while West Singhbhum reported 6,172 cases.
Together, the two districts accounted for 12,699 cases, making them the most affected regions in the state.
The meeting was chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Department.
In view of the high number of cases, officials were directed to strengthen disease surveillance, ensure early testing and diagnosis, provide complete treatment to patients, and maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines.
Authorities were also asked to intensify mosquito-control activities and expand public awareness campaigns, particularly in areas reporting a high incidence of malaria.
The meeting reviewed the status of other vector-borne diseases, including dengue. A total of 77 dengue cases were reported in June, with Ranchi recording the highest number at 27.
The Additional Chief Secretary said that the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases could not be handled by the Health Department alone and required coordinated action by multiple government departments.
He called for greater participation from the Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Urban Development, Education, Labour, and Drinking Water and Sanitation departments.
Officials were directed to clearly define responsibilities at every administrative level, from districts to panchayats, and promote disease prevention as a wider public movement.
The task force also reviewed the implementation of the Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programme. During the Mass Drug Administration campaign, health workers were instructed to ensure that eligible beneficiaries consume the prescribed medicines in their presence rather than merely receiving them.
The meeting also emphasised improving treatment and follow-up services for filariasis patients, increasing the availability of hydrocele surgeries, and ensuring adequate supplies of Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention kits.
The state government said the coordinated measures were aimed at reducing the burden of malaria and other vector-borne diseases through stronger surveillance, timely treatment, mosquito control and public participation.
