Odisha’s Malaria Cases Surge by 63.6% in 2024, Raising Concerns Over Disease Control Efforts

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Bhubaneswar: Once praised for cutting malaria cases by 80% in 2018, Odisha is now struggling with a sharp rise in infections, contributing more than a quarter of India’s total malaria burden. In 2024, the state reported a worrying 63.6% increase in cases compared to the previous year, putting it at the top of the national malaria incidence list. 

According to data from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), Odisha recorded 68,693 malaria cases in 2024, including 50,501 cases of the dangerous *P. falciparum* strain, along with eight deaths. This marks a significant jump from 2023, when the state reported 41,973 cases and four deaths. With these numbers, Odisha alone accounted for 26.7% of India’s total 2.57 lakh malaria cases last year. Other states with high malaria burdens include Jharkhand (42,352 cases), Chhattisgarh (33,023), West Bengal (21,802), Maharashtra (21,078), Mizoram (16,899), and Uttar Pradesh (13,477).  

Hotspot Districts and the DAMaN Initiative  

Officials noted that 78% of Odisha’s malaria cases came from just five districts—Kalahandi, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Koraput, and Malkangiri. These areas are among 21 high-risk zones where the state government has been running its flagship program, Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakaran (DAMaN), aimed at eliminating malaria by 2030. The initiative focuses on mass screenings, distributing mosquito nets, and improving healthcare access in remote tribal regions.  
However, the recent surge in cases, including a rise in asymptomatic infections, has raised serious concerns about the program’s effectiveness. The central government has flagged major gaps in Odisha’s reporting system, particularly under the DAMaN scheme.  

Underreporting of Cases: A Hidden Crisis

In a letter to the Odisha government, the NCVBDC pointed out that a large number of malaria cases detected through DAMaN screenings—especially in tribal residential schools—were not being reported in the national surveillance system, known as M4. This system is crucial for tracking malaria trends and allocating resources effectively.  

For instance, in 2023, DAMaN screenings identified 28,293 malaria cases, but these were not included in the official count of 41,973 cases reported through routine surveillance. This means nearly two-thirds of actual malaria cases in Odisha were missing from national records.  
The NCVBDC emphasized that these unreported cases are not mild infections but clinically significant ones, detected through rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). These tests can identify high-parasite infections, meaning the patients could still spread the disease even if they show no symptoms. Asymptomatic carriers act as a hidden reservoir for malaria parasites, potentially leading to new outbreaks.  

Central Government’s Warning and Recommendations  

The central health agency has urged Odisha to take immediate corrective steps, including:  

• Reporting all symptomatic cases from DAMaN screenings in the M4 database.  
• Sharing detailed district-wise data on mass screenings with the Regional Office of Health and Family Welfare (ROHFW) in Bhubaneswar.  
• Improving transparency in malaria surveillance to reflect the true scale of the problem.  

The letter also highlighted that mass screenings in tribal schools were uncovering many positive cases, yet these were not being recorded in official reports. Without accurate data, health authorities cannot assess the real burden of malaria or plan effective interventions.  

Why Is Malaria Surging Again in Odisha?  

Experts suggest several reasons for the resurgence:  

• Incomplete reporting leading to underestimation of the problem.  
• Asymptomatic cases going undetected and spreading the parasite.  
• Challenges in healthcare access in remote tribal areas.  
• Possible lapses in preventive measures like mosquito net distribution and insecticide spraying.  

The Road Ahead

Odisha’s battle against malaria was once a success story, but the recent spike shows that the fight is far from over. To meet the national goal of eliminating malaria by 2030, the state must strengthen its surveillance, ensure all cases are reported, and intensify prevention efforts—especially in high-risk districts.  
The central government’s intervention highlights the urgent need for better coordination between state and national health agencies. Without accurate data and timely action, Odisha risks losing the progress it made in previous years, putting thousands more at risk of this deadly disease.  
For now, the rising numbers serve as a wake-up call: malaria control requires constant vigilance, transparency, and sustained efforts to protect vulnerable communities.