Awareness and Felicitation Program on World Malaria Day; High-Performing Personnel Honored
Ranchi, April 25, 2026:
On the occasion of World Malaria Day, a special program was organized on Saturday at the IPH Auditorium, where personnel and public representatives who have performed outstanding work in the field of eliminating vector-borne diseases were felicitated. Through this day, observed annually on April 25, emphasis was placed on raising public awareness regarding malaria and other vector-borne diseases.
Addressing the gathering as the keynote speaker, Shashi Prakash Jha, Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM) Jharkhand, stated that the state government is fully committed to the health and well-being of its citizens. He remarked that just as the country successfully brought polio under control, malaria too can be conquered through collective efforts. He appealed to the public to undertake regular spraying, use mosquito nets, and maintain proper hygiene to protect themselves against mosquitoes.
Mr. Jha informed that the Health Department conducts a total of 46 activities throughout the year—aligned with various health-related observances—with a specific focus on the prevention, protection against, and elimination of diseases. He emphasized that awareness regarding both infectious and non-infectious diseases is crucial, and that the 'Ayushman Arogya Mandirs' (Health and Wellness Centers) must be made even more effective.
He further stressed the importance of conducting awareness campaigns at the Panchayat level through the *Mukhiyas* (village heads), screening as many people as possible, and disseminating health-related information via social media. Additionally, he highlighted the need to promote vaccination and institutional deliveries, as well as to ensure the availability of free medicines and facilities under various government schemes.
Speaking at the event, State Program Officer Dr. Virendra Kumar Singh stated that reducing malaria cases and making the state free from *Kala-azar* (Visceral Leishmaniasis) are top priorities for the department. Meanwhile, Health Director Dr. Dinesh Kumar underscored the necessity of extensive publicity and public awareness campaigns for the eradication of malaria.
On this occasion, a coffee-table book focusing on vector-borne diseases was also released. During the program, several personnel—including 10 *Mukhiyas* from various districts—as well as women from Self-Help Groups, were honored for their exemplary work. According to data from the Health Department, a total of 42,236 malaria cases were recorded in Jharkhand in the year 2025. During this period, 1,469,564 tests were conducted using RDTs, and 5,508,928 tests were performed using slides. Fewer than 100 cases were reported in eight districts of the state—Bokaro, Chatra, Deoghar, Dhanbad, Koderma, Palamu, Ramgarh, and Jamtara.
The program was attended by several senior officials from the Health Department, experts, and approximately 300 participants from various districts.
