BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 5th June 2025 : In a decisive move toward public health advancement, Tripura has announced a bold target to become a malaria-free state by the year 2027, declared Tripura Health Secretary Kiran Gitte during a recent three-day state-level review meeting focused on malaria elimination and dengue control.
The meeting, held from June 2 to 4 at the National Health Mission (NHM) headquarters in Agartala, was inaugurated by Secretary Gitte, who emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to combating vector-borne diseases.
Highlighting the strides already made, Secretary Gitte shared that nearly 9.5 lakh mosquito nets have been distributed throughout the state, a critical step in preventing malaria transmission. The government has also intensified vector control initiatives including larvicide spraying, the strategic release of larvivorous fish, and comprehensive door-to-door malaria testing and treatment drives.
Special attention is being given to remote and vulnerable communities, with targeted drug prophylaxis, health camps, and focused surveillance efforts among the Jumia families in hard-to-reach areas. These measures form part of a wider, holistic action plan designed to eliminate malaria and curb the spread of dengue.
The plan underscores the importance of public awareness campaigns, destruction of mosquito breeding sites, prompt disease diagnosis, and timely medical intervention. These initiatives are expected to strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure and enhance community participation in disease control.
The review meeting brought together a dedicated team of experts and officials, including district malaria officers, state consultants, malaria technical supervisors, and data management staff, working in close coordination to monitor progress and strategize future steps.
Under the able supervision of Dr. Tapas Kumar Bhattacharya, Senior Regional Director of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Dr. Abhijit Das, State Program Officer of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), the forum reviewed ongoing efforts and outlined the road ahead.
Key National Health Mission officials, including Joint Mission Director Arup Dev and Member Secretary Dr. Nupur Debbarma, were also present, reinforcing the government’s dedicated multi-level approach.
The Health and Family Welfare Department reaffirmed its resolve to intensify efforts on all fronts, aiming to achieve a malaria-free Tripura within the next two years, thereby ensuring healthier and safer communities across the state.
