Zero cases in 5 years: Bilaspur district nears malaria-free badge

In a significant public health achievement, Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a model for malaria elimination, with no cases reported in the last five years. This remarkable feat places the district on the verge of being officially declared malaria-free by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Shashi Dutt Sharma credited the success to a multi-layered and sustained strategy adopted by the district health authorities. The comprehensive campaign included preventing water stagnation, promoting hygiene in homes and public areas, regular spraying of anti-larval chemicals and launching widespread awareness drives to curb mosquito breeding.

Health workers — both in urban and rural areas — actively encouraged residents to use mosquito nets, wear full-sleeved clothing and adopt mosquito repellents as part of their daily routines. Dr Sharma noted that ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, staff nurses and doctors played a critical role at the grassroots level, ensuring the outreach and impact of the campaign.

To ensure early detection and response, the disease surveillance system was strengthened and rapid testing mechanisms were made available for individuals showing symptoms of malaria.

Dr Sharma added that a formal application has been submitted to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for the declaration of Bilaspur as a malaria-free district. The recognition is expected soon, marking a major milestone not just for the district, but for the entire state.

This success story from Bilaspur serves as a powerful example for the rest of the country, showing how focused planning, community involvement and consistent public health efforts can lead to the elimination of vector-borne diseases.